Williams continues good year in NESCAC

Defense wins championships. Apparently, it also wins you NESCAC football games. This week, a few stellar defensive performances were key to football victories. Jeremy Carroll of Amherst earned Defensive Player of the Week honors for picking off three passes, one of which was taken 33 yards for a touchdown. But despite his efforts, the Lord Jeffs lost a 14-13 nail biter to Wesleyan. Sophomore Quincy Francis of Wesleyan had a Ray Lewis-like performance running all over the field en route to making 18 tackles, 12 unassisted. He has now made 60 tackles on the year _ good enough for first in the NESCAC. Williams remains the lone undefeated team in the NESCAC with its 36-28 victory over Tufts, and has won its first five contests. Hamilton and Bates remain stuck in neutral as they both remain winless at 0-5.

In men's soccer, the Connecticut College Camels were able to ride the play of senior striker Erich Archer to their first victory of the year. Archer put in the game winner with just five minutes remaining in the contest. His timely goal was enough to give him player of the week honors in the NESCAC. Bowdoin and Babson played overtime twice before ending in a tie; Bowdoin remains at a record of 6-1. Bowdoin is joined by the Ephs of Williams atop the NESCAC. Colby and Connecticut College each have only one victory in seven tries as they try to get out of the NESCAC cellar.

In women's soccer action, three times was the charm for Amherst's Adrienne Showler. Showler, a sophomore midfielder for the Lady Jeffs earned a hat-trick while leading her squad to a convincing 4-0 victory at Wesleyan. With the win, Amherst is keeping pace in a very competitive NESCAC soccer bracket. Amherst is deadlocked with Tufts and Williams, as all three schools are 5-2 in NESCAC play. Williams has the best overall record of 9-3. And Wesleyan just can't seem to get it together as the team has been unable to put together a single victory this season.

Williams, which is having an unsurprisingly strong year all around in the NESCAC has not disappointed in volleyball either. The Ephs, who finished the NESCAC schedule going 9-1, have claimed the right to host this year's NESCAC championships to be played on Nov. 8 and 9. Led by junior Amy Cronin who put up an impressive 39 kills in the three game stint,the Jumbos helped themselves in the standings with a 2-1 weekend in the NESCAC. Amherst, who has also had a solid fall season in several NESCAC sports, finished 8-2 in conference play earning 2nd seed honors in the NESCAC Championships. Hamilton, Bowdoin and Connecticut College each have only one victory in ten tries this season, placing them in a three way tie for last place.

In field hockey, Middlebury buried Union 9-0 this past Thursday. NESCAC player of the week Kate Perine's four goal performance highlighted the victory. All of Perine's four goals were in the first half. Bowdoin and Williams are tied for first with six victories a piece. Connecticut College is winless in six tries this season, as they stand alone in last place.