After an overtime win last week against Trinity College, the women’s soccer team lost the form it displayed during its 6-0 start, falling to both Hamilton and Williams this past weekend in away games. The team’s first NESCAC losses of the season lowered its record to 8-3-0 (5-2-0 NESCAC)
ln Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the Continentals, Katja Dunlap put in Hamilton’s goal early in the game. Although Alexa Yurick ’15 had multiple scoring opportunities, the Polar Bears’ effort was not enough to score.
At Williams, the team played their third double overtime game of the season. It looked as if the Polar Bears were going to lose in regulation when Jamie Hofstetter ’16 tied the game on an assist by Maggie Godley ’16 with only three minutes of regular play remaining. Bridget McCarthy ’15 made a crucial save at the end of the first overtime to extend the game into the extra period, in which the Polar Bears ultimately lost to Williams.
While the team may not have gotten the wins it wanted during these away games, the Polar Bears displayed some of the form that led them to their impressive first month of the season.
“Williams was a game we are all definitely proud of. Everyone played for the team, not just for themselves. You could see in peoples’ eyes how determined they were, and everyone went the extra distance to help,” said Jill Rathke ’18.
Since the team has had to deal with many injuries this season, the first years have rotated into the lineup.
“Freshman have been playing in lots of different positions. Versatility is super important and everyone has been working hard as well,” said Rathke. “That’s definitely a team attitude and expectation, always working hard.”
First-year talent in particular helped the team come up with the win last week. Eliza Nitzan ’18 scored the game-winning goal in double overtime against Trinity.
“Eliza helped us big with the double overtime finish. She is always willing to take a long-range shot and has the power to do it,” said Rathke. “When Coach put her in during the second overtime, I had a good feeling about it. The win was so exciting for us and definitely drove a good week of practices.”
The team will be working hard for its NESCAC matchup tomorrow when it faces one-loss Connecticut College at 1:00 p.m. for its homecoming game.
“Coming back from a hard-fought game at Williams, we know what we can do and now there’s an even higher expectation for the rest of the season,” said Rathke.