Courtesy Williams Sports Information

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Williams (17-0-0) advanced to the sectional round of the NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament after defeating Springfield College (16-2-1) 1-0 at home on Cole Field Saturday afternoon.

Springfield had beaten Husson, 3-0, on Wednesday to reach the second round against the Ephs. Williams' opponent in the round of 16 has not been determined.

Williams and Springfield faced off on September 12 where the Ephs defeated the Pride in a 4-0 showing and allowed only one shot on goal. On Saturday, the Ephs dominated time on the ball but failed to convert many great chances to score in the first half. Williams' defense faltered in the final ten minutes of play, allowing Springfield to get more looks at goal. The confident play of Ephs keeper Lauren Sinnenberg kept the Pride out of the net and off the scoreboard late in the match up to secure the victory.

Sarah Walmsley scored the lone goal of the day nineteen minutes into play.

After a Springfield foul just outside the penalty box on the far left side of the net, Ana Sani kicked a cross to the far right post. Gabrielle Woodson attempted to head the ball into the net, but Springfield goalkeeper Sue Jenny deflected the ball. Walmsley capitalized on the rebound and tapped the ball into net for an unassisted goal.

The goal came after Williams' best twenty minutes of play. The opening minutes of the game saw the Ephs create great many opportunities to score through crisp and clean passing. Midfielders Kaolin McEvoy, Alexa Herlach, and Sara Wild in particular helped to calm the Ephs in the early going. As the game progressed, Springfield upped their pressure and created an intense and physical battle on the field.

Lauren Sinnenberg had four saves. Sue Jenny recorded six saves on the afternoon.