WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Thanks in part to a strong defensive emphasis from preseason, the Williams College women’s basketball team defeated the Colby College Mules, 58-34, capturing Eph head coach Pat Manning’s 500th collegiate victory.

 

With this win, she becomes the 22nd Division III coach to achieve such a feat. At Williams, Manning has a record of 500-236 and has guided the Ephs to the NCAA tournament nine times, making the Sweet 16 twice in the last nine years. 

 

“It’s been a thrill to coach here for 29 years and I’m ready for 29 more,” Manning said. “I’m lucky to be able to work at an amazing school with fellow coaches who are incredibly supportive–not only my basketball staff, but coaches throughout our department. To work alongside them every day is an honor.”

 

 

With Williams (10-11, 4-3 NESCAC) never trailing throughout the game, sophomore Morgan Dauk stormed the court with 17 points, a season high for her. She was followed by Mikaela Topper (13 points) and the Eph’s top rebounder, Gabby Martin (10 rebounds). Ainsley Burns was the top scorer for Colby with 11 points. Two players, Katie McCrum and Jane MacKerron, were tied for the Mules’ top rebounder with seven apiece.

 

Topper set the Ephs off to a strong start, kicking off the game with a swift three-pointer. Colby (8-12, 1-6), in comparison, did not put points on the board until three and a half minutes into the game, when Burns sunk a jump shot for the Mules. Williams’ strong defense pressured Colby into numerous turnovers as the Mules had trouble keeping their hands on the ball. With five Ephs with points on the board in comparison to Colby’s two, the Ephs had an excellent run first period, ending up 16-3 over the Mules. 

 

The second quarter proved much more fortuitus for Colby, who locked down their shooting troubles to go on to outscore the Ephs for the period. Burns, Sarah Hancock, and Grace Coutu all contributed to the Mules’ 12 points from the second period, with the Ephs only scoring once in the first five minutes. With Colby managing to cut the deficit to six points, sophomore Morgan Dauk of Williams ended the Eph’s scoring drought to help the Ephs carry a 24-15 lead into the second half. 

 

After a second quarter comeback by Colby, who outscored the Ephs by six points during the period, Williams went back to holding a comfortable double-digit lead with a three-pointer by Meehan. While the first four points of the third period went to the Mules, junior Katie Brule came out of nowhere to rebound on the offensive and set up Vostal for a clean jump shot. Hancock of the Mules fought back, along with Jane Mackerron, putting up seven points collectively for Colby. However, the Ephs still outscored the Mules 12-11 for the quarter, with an equal amount of turnovers and rebounds to each team. 

 

In the spirit of the first quarter, the Ephs put up seven points in just over a minute, increasing Williams’ lead to 17 points. Topper and Dauk put up six and nine points respectively for the Ephs, with the Mules making eight turnovers alone in this period.

 

“The players I’ve had over the years [have been] just some remarkable women who I’ve had the privilege of coaching,” Manning said. “This is really a testament to all the kids who have come through our program over the years and helped this happen. It was really their effort and their work.”

 

The Ephs host Bowdoin Saturday at 3 p.m.

 

Men's Basketball

WATERVILLE, Maine -- Kyle Scadlock scored 26 points, and Bobby Casey added 20 to lead Williams to an 84-68 win over Colby.

 

The Ephs (19-2, 6-1) go to Bowdoin on Saturday.

 

Women's Hockey

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Chloe Heiting stopped 28 shots to backstop Williams (13-4-2) to a 0-0 tie at Trinity.

 

The Ephs, who outshot the Bantams, 40-28, are at Trinity again on Saturday.

 

Men's Hockey

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- Trinity scored with just less than five minutes left to break a 2-2 tie en route to a 3-2 win over Williams on Friday night.

 

Robert Cellini and Jack McCool scored for Williams (11-3-5, 7-2-4), who got 23 saves from Michael Pinios.

 

The Ephs host Wesleyan on Saturday at 3 p.m.