Clinton , New York - A Rawson Welch (Denver, Colo.) goal with just 39 seconds remaining (89:21) erased a 2-1 deficit as Bates College escaped #8 Hamilton College with a crucial point in the NESCAC standings, tying the undefeated Continentals, 2-2, in Saturday men's soccer action.

After a scoreless first half, the Bobcats struck first when Max McKersie (Sr.-Arlington, Mass.) sent in a Henry Kuenstler (So.-London, England) feed in the 50th minute (49:52). Hamilton's Charles Hawthorn (So.-Houston, Texas) provided the equalizer at 56:18 before teammate, Luke Peplowski (So.-Pittsfield, Mass.), put the home team ahead with his fifth goal of the year at the 61:29 mark.

The stage was now set for Welch's heroics as the junior, set up by a double assist from teammates Cesar Hoover (Fy.-San Diego, Calif.) and Tife Agunloye (So.-Monroe, Conn.), connected for his first tally of the season to put the Bobcat bench into a frenzy.

Hamilton (8-0-2, 4-0-2 NESCAC) owned the shot column, 26-7 (10-6 on frame), but could not take advantage of its opportunities.

Nico Hessel (Brattleboro, Vt.) proved to be clutch between the pipes for Bates as the first-year keeper collected a season-high eight saves in the complete-game victory. Ben Ziegler (Jr.-Bexley, Ohio) gathered four of his own for Hamilton.

The Bobcats (5-4-1, 1-4-1 NESCAC) now head to Middletown, Conn. to take on Wesleyan University Sunday at 3:00 p.m. for another NESCAC tilt.