WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – The Connecticut College men's ice hockey team battled back from an early 3-0 deficit, but ultimately fell to host Williams 5-3 on Friday night from . With the loss, Conn falls to 6-10-1 overall and 4-7 in conference play, while Wesleyan improves to 7-8-2 on the year and 4-6-1 in NESCAC play.

The teams traded chances over the opening couple of minutes before Williams opened the scoring at 7:30 on a marker from Rowan Heithoff. Four minutes later, the Ephs doubled the score as Jake McManus found the back of the net. Williams wasn't done, as just a minute after that, Connor Berg extended the lead to 3-0. Conn had a couple of chances late in the period, but trailed 3-0 after one.

The second period started like the first ended with both sides generating opportunities, but both Will McEvoy (Ottawa, Ontario) and Cal Sandquist answered the call. Midway through the frame, Conn was awarded a power play, but was unable to capitalize, as the Camels still trailed 3-0 heading to the third.

Conn got on the board early in the final period, as Matt Lewis (Pembroke, Mass.) made it 3-1 at 1:31. However, just two minutes later, the lead was pushed back to three on a goal from Brady Welsch. Conn didn't go away quietly as the goals continued to come in quick succession. Will Tripp (Lakeville, Mass.) found Jack Houser (Arlington, Mass.) who cut it back to a two goal deficit at 3:55.

Conn had a couple of power plays midway through the period, but once again were unable to convert. However, the Camels pulled McEvoy for the extra skater with just over three minutes to play. With 1:43 remaining Lewis converted with McEvoy on the bench, as Tripp picked up another assist to make it 4-3. In the final minute, Houser had a great look to even the score, but was stopped by Sandquist, before David Vieten put one in the empty net to give Williams the 5-3 win.

Conn outshot Williams 35-31, while the Ephs held a slim 32-31 edge on face-off wins.

McEvoy got the start in goal, finishing with 26 saves. Lewis and Tripp led the way with two points each on two goals and two assists respectively, while Houser also added a goal. John Russo (South Windsor, Conn.) led the way in the face-off circle winning 15 draws, while Conn finished 1-3 on the power play and 2-2 on the penalty kill.

Sandquist picked up the win in goal, finishing with 32 saves. Berg and McManus paced Williams with a goal and an assist each, while seven other Ephs added one point. Williams finished 0-2 on the power play and 2-3 on the penalty kill.

Conn closes out the weekend road trip tomorrow afternoon as the Camels take on Middlebury at 3:00 p.m. in Middlebury, Vt.