AMHERST, Mass. – Sara Culhane '17 scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime, to lift the fourth-seeded Amherst College field hockey team past Little Three rival and fifth-seeded Williams College, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at Gooding Field.

RECORDS

Amherst: 12-4, 6-4 NESCAC
Williams: 10-6, 6-4 NESCAC

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

• Amherst held a 17-12 edge in shots and 7-4 advantage in penalty corners.
• Culhane posted a game-high five shots on goal, resulting in two scores, while Caroline Fiore '18 added an assist. Emily Horwitz '17 made seven saves in net for the Purple & White.
• The Ephs were led by Annie VanWagenen, who registered four shots on net and scored the visitor's lone goal. She was unassisted on the score. Williams' goalkeeper Margaret Draper made 12 saves in 72:57 minutes logged.
• Both teams were held scoreless in the first half behind strong defensive play from each side, while Williams held a 10-5 advantage in shots.
• Amherst had several opportunities to take a lead with 23 minutes remaining in the first half. Following a penalty corner; Elizabeth Turnbull '18, Katie Paolano '16 and Culhane all sent shots towards net, within a crowded striking circle, but Draper blocked each ball to maintain a scoreless tie.
• With 8:28 remaining before the break, Julianna Kostas of Williams received a pass inside the circle. She lifted the ball into the air towards the right post, but Horwitz stuck out her left arm to block the attempt.
• Williams had several scoring opportunities in the closing minutes of the first. With just under two minutes remaining, the Ephs applied heavy pressure. After Horwitz made the initial save, Hannah Goodrick received the rebound and lifted the ball towards net. With Horwitz on the ground, Sydney Watts '17 made an incredible play as the junior defender knocked down the shot midair with her stick.
• Amherst took a lead early in the second half following a corner shot. Annika Nygren '16 sent in the ball to Fiore who fired one into the circle. Culhane ricocheted the shot into the back right of the goal to give the home team a 1-0 advantage with 30:48 to play in regulation.
• The Purple & White applied heavy offensive pressure midway through the second half but came away scoreless dispute several strong chances. Draper was impressive between the posts to keep it a one-score game. 
• Williams evened the score with 10:05 to play in regulation. Goodrick sent a corner pass to VanWagenen who immediately fired one from the top of the circle through Amherst defenders and into the back of the net.
• Both defenses held strong to force overtime. Amherst held a 10-1 advantage in shots during the final 35 minutes of regulation.
• In the overtime period, the Ephs had an early penalty corner opportunity but came away scoreless as Horwitz kicked the ball away and out of striking distance.
• Shortly after, Culhane scored the game-winner just 2:57 into overtime to lift Amherst past Williams. The junior received a pass inside the circle and her first attempt was saved. However, she took advantage of the rebound, and lifted the ball over the outstretched leg of Draper and into the back of the net.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Saturday's game marked the first time Amherst and Williams met in the NESCAC Championship since the 2007 season. The Ephs hold a 4-2 advantage in postseason play, however, Amherst has won seven straight over its rival since the fall of 2010. 
• The Purple & White have won five straight and are 2-0 in overtime games this season.
• Amherst returns to the NESCAC Semifinals for the fifth time in the past six seasons, and ninth time since the inaugural postseason tournament in 2000.  

UP NEXT

• The Purple & White return to the field Saturday, Nov. 6 and will play top-seeded and host Bowdoin College (16-0, 10-0 NESCAC) at 11 a.m. in Brunswick, Maine.
• Williams awaits its NCAA tournament fate.