The Middlebury women's basketball team held off a late comeback attempt by host Williams (10-8, 2-3), earning a 57-54 NESCAC victory over the Ephs on Saturday. The Panthers (13-4, 3-2) are back in action on Monday when they entertain Smith at 6:00 p.m.

Middlebury grabbed an 11-1 lead at the 5:40 mark of the opening quarter, finished off by a jumper from Betsy Knox. With 2:37 remaining, the Panthers tallied nine of the last 12 points, with Kira Waldman scoring all of Middlebury's points, for a 25-11 advantage.

After trading buckets in the early stages of the second stanza, the Ephs put together a 9-2 run over the final 2:40, cutting the deficit to six (33-27) heading into the locker room.

Middlebury scored the first six points of the second half capped by a pair of free throws from Maya Davis with 7:38 remaining. Williams responded with a 6-0 spurt of their own, bringing them to within six (39-33). The Panthers rattled off the final five points over the ensuing 2:33, extending their lead to 48-35 at the end of the third.

Following a three pointer by Panther Sarah Kaufman just 20 seconds into the fourth quarter, the Ephs went on a 14-4 run making it 55-51 with 1:32 remaining.  Williams moved to within two at 56-54 on a three from Amanni Fernandez with 19 ticks left on the clock. Williams had one final chance with four seconds remaining, but a three-point attempt fell short, securing the victory for Middlebury.

Davis led the Panthers with a near double-double of 12 points and eight rebounds, while Knox and Waldman added 11 points each. Alex Huffman grabbed seven rebounds to go along with five points and four assists.

Kristin Fechtelkotter led the hosts with 16 points and a game-high seven blocks, while Maggie Meehan had 12 points and four assists. Fernandez chipped in with 10 points, five rebounds and four steals.