LEWISTON, Maine -- No. 9 nationally ranked Williams College recorded its ninth straight victory on Saturday in a 3-0 decision over the Bates women's soccer team at Russell Street Field.

The Ephs (13-1, 8-1 NESCAC) opened the scoring in the 38th minute, then added two more goals early in the second half, sending the host Bobcats (7-7, 3-6 NESCAC) to the .500 mark. Williams can clinch home-field advantage in next weekend's NESCAC Tournament with a win or tie in Wednesday's regular-season finale against Hamilton.

Alex McInturf headed in a corner kick by Jacqueline Simeone with 7:08 left in the first half to give the Ephs all the scoring they would need.

In the opening minute of the second half, Williams added an insurance goal. Audrey Thomas set up Alison Magruder for the finish just 41 seconds into the period. With over 40 minutes left to play, Williams made it 3-0 as Louise Costa served a ball to Maddie Swarr in the penalty area.

The Bobcats play at Colby on Wednesday with a berth in the eight-team NESCAC Championship tournament probably on the line. Bates is currently tied with Hamilton for eighth place but can clinch a berth with a win, as the Bobcats hold a the tiebreaker against the Continentals.

Hannah Van Wetter started in goal for Williams and made one save. Tressa Palcheck made two saves in the second half. Bates first-year Sarah McCarthy (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) made two saves before senior Alyssa Morgosh (Carlsbad, Calif.) took over late in the second half and collected three saves.

Bates sophomore Erin Shea (Marshfield, Mass.) attempted a team-high three shots. Senior Dakota Donovan (Marblehead, Mass.) and junior Maggie Coco (Avon, Conn.) added two shots apiece.