The Williams College women's lacrosse team has made a significant mark this week by advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time since 2014. The No. 20 Ephs secured their spot with a decisive 18-3 victory over Grove City in the first round, followed by a narrow 11-10 win against No. 5 William Smith in the second round. Senior captain Franny Donohue led the charge with two goals and two assists, while first-year Ella Ryan contributed three goals and one assist. Williams will face No. 25 Colorado College in the Sweet 16 on Saturday at Tufts University.
In softball, the Ephs concluded their season as the NESCAC Runner-Up after a strong performance in the conference tournament. Williams defeated top-seeded Tufts 8-7 in a thrilling semifinal match, highlighted by a pivotal three-run double from Dani Jackman. However, they fell to Middlebury in the championship game, finishing the season with a 24-17 overall record. Senior Sadie Leonard was named NESCAC Pitcher of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, and she, along with Sidney Miller and Katie Blanch, received All-Conference honors.
The Williams women's rowing team also had a successful outing at the National Invitational Rowing Championship, where they earned a gold medal in the varsity four and silver medals in both the first and third varsity eights. This performance has qualified them for the NCAA Division III Championship later this month. The men's rowing team earned an automatic qualifier into the IRA National Championship after finishing third at the NIRC/NESCAC Championship.
In golf, the men's team concluded their participation in the NCAA Division III Championship, finishing 30th overall. The Ephs shot +19 in both the first and second rounds, with Alex Moller leading the team with a 2-over-par 73 in the first round. Meanwhile, the women's golf team received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament, with senior Euna Lee being named NESCAC Golfer of the Year for the second consecutive year. Lee, along with Natalie Cheong and Michelle Ding, earned All-Conference honors, showcasing the depth of talent on the team. The women's tournament is set to take place next week in Palm Desert, California.
In tennis, four members of the men's team were named to the Academic All-District Team, including senior captains Daniel Chen and Simon Volkema, who will also compete in the NCAA Division III Doubles Championship later this month. The women's tennis team saw three players recognized on the Academic All-District Team, with senior Mia Thomann leading the way as a two-time ITA Scholar-Athlete. Both teams continue to demonstrate excellence both on the court and in the classroom.