Courtesy of Brian Beard

Leading up to the weekend, the team focused on analyzing their two adversaries’ players, tactics and systems to figure out the best strategies to use.

“Most of our preparation was for Wesleyan, [their] strengths, and really trying to minimize those, but also identify the strengths that we have as a team, and really looking at ways we could implement [them] into the game, ” Head Coach Nicky Pearson said. “Then after that game, [we] switched immediately to Williams and we had a video session Sunday morning… talking about what our setup [was], what our tactics would be against that team, just because they played very differently to Wesleyan.”

On Sunday, the team had to pivot their strategy in face of the Ephs’ play.

“We realized that they packed the midfield and wanted to close down any transition we had coming through the middle of the field. So we had to make some adjustments in how we were attacking, and the players did well,” Pearson said. “Also, some of the passes that we were giving our forwards in our build-up were a little bit different than [what] we had against Wesleyan. So clearing some space … and we used more aerial balls in the Williams game. So we [had] the option of going up and over the tops, and that worked out well.”

During the third quarter against the Ephs, defender Ella Davies ’28 sent over a long sweep, assisting with Balmelli’s game-winning score.

“Our philosophy is [that] we attack as a team and we defend as a team. So it was terrific to have one of our defenders assist on that goal, and [Davies] threaded a great pass,” Pearson said.

The team also kept a strong sustained play going throughout both games, culminating in a 2–1 victory against Wesleyan.

“One of the things that our team has been really focusing on this season is controlling what we can control, and one of these things would be effort. Our game against Wesleyan was a really good example of us maintaining our effort for the full 60 minutes. I’m really proud of the way that we were able to keep the intensity up during each quarter, even after they scored the initial goal, and they were able to come back and score too,” Balmelli said.

Having these two victories under their belts, the team is excited to move forward into the season with the same energy. The Polar Bears host Middlebury College (4–1; 3–0 NESCAC) tomorrow at 11 a.m. on Ryan Field.

”We’re really excited for [Middlebury], and just really excited for the rest of the season, and overall feel a lot more confident and are looking forward to it,” Balmelli said.