WATERVILLE – Colby College took advantage of early scoring and five turnovers by the Continentals to hold on for a 16-13 victory over Hamilton College in NESCAC football action Saturday.

On their first possession, the Mules (3-2) went 64 yards on nine plays to get on the board. Dan Prunier scored on a 4-yard run, but the Mules missed the extra point.

Victor Gagne, who provided some key punting in the second half, capped a 13-play drive with a 32-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Colby went up 16-0 when Prunier banged one in from 1 yard with 18 seconds left to intermission.

Middlebury 38, Bates 14

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – Middlebury College recovered from a first-quarter deficit to roll past Bates 38-14 in football action Saturday.

The teams exchanged four punts before the Panthers put the first points on the board with a Donald McKillop 12-yard pass to Andrew Matson. Bates returned the favor later in the quarter when junior Bill Jennings picked off a McKillop pass at the Bobcats 31.

On their first play following the interception, senior running back Greg Thornton took a hand-off and rolled right before tossing a 23-yard touchdown pass to junior Tom Beaton to tie the game at 7-7.

The Bobcats cashed in on another Middlebury turnover on their next possession, regaining the ball at their own 34-yard line following a fumble. Quarterback Ryan Katon hit junior wide receiver Matt Gregg for 25 yards and rushed three times for 28 yards before connecting with Gregg on a 19-yard scoring strike.

The Panthers answered right back with a touchdown, and posted a 20-yard field goal from Anthony Kuchan as time expired to take a 17-14 lead into intermission.

Middlebury dominated in the second half with three unanswered touchdowns for the win.

Trinity 40, Bowdoin 16

BRUNSWICK – Trinity College racked up more than 500 yards of total offense in a 40-16 victory over Bowdoin College in NESCAC football action Saturday.

Bowdoin returner Nick Tom broke through to midfield on the opening kickoff, but was soon separated from the ball by Harryl Smith. Sam Viering recovered the fumble for the Bantams (5-0), and they proceeded to put the first six points on the board.

Still in the first quarter and following a 10-play, 54-yard drive that ended with a mere field goal for the Polar Bears (1-4), Trinity rattled off the next 34 points on 522 yards of offense. Oliver Kell and James Lathrop added late fourth quarter touchdowns for Bowdoin.

Men’s soccer

Bates 1, Middlebury 0

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – Bates College ended Middlebury’s 18-game unbeaten streak with a 1-0 triumph in men’s soccer action Saturday afternoon.

The Bobcats (7-5) scored the game’s only goal at 84:39 as sophomore Dae Ro Lee struck a nifty corner kick that arced around the Middlebury keeper and into the far side of the net.

Despite holding a 9-5 advantage in shots, the Panthers (8-1-1) were unable to find the back of the net. Bates freshman keeper Greg Watts notched his fourth shutout of the season.

Maine-Farmington 6, Thomas 4

WATERVILLE – James Tolleffson scored a hat trick as Maine-Farmington topped Thomas College 6-4 in NAC men’s soccer action Saturday.

Tim Costa, who scored a breakaway goal midway through the first half to give the Terriers (6-10) a 2-1 lead, tied the game up at 3-3 when he converted a through pass from Tom Desjardins early in the second frame.

The Beavers scored the next three goals to put the game out of reach. Ethan Jean was assisted by Daniel Horne, and Patrick Martin was assisted by Ronal Cabe, before Tolleffson scored his third tally of the contest.

Women’s soccer

Maine-Farmington 2, Thomas 0

WATERVILLE – Amber Murphy scored the eventual game-winner as Maine-Farmington notched a 2-0 victory over Thomas College in NAC women’s soccer action Saturday.

Murphy scored midway through the first half in the midst of a scramble in front of the Thomas goal. Farmington’s second goal came with less than 20 minutes in regulation on an own goal by Thomas

Goalies Jess Nassetta and Lindsay Gove combined for 13 saves for the Terriers, while McKell Barnes and Crystal Johnson combined for one save for the Beavers.

Middlebury 2, Bates 0

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – It was Annie get your gun as Annie Ford and Annie Rowell scored late game goals to provide Middlebury College with a 2-0 victory over Bates College in women’s soccer action Saturday.

Both teams had some fine chances in the first half, as the Bobcats (4-7) saw a quick shot by Tina Tobin saved at the right post by goalie Lauren Torch 30 minutes into the contest.

The Panthers (6-4-2) had some great looks in the 42nd minute, including a header off the post by Caitlin Parker. But, Bates keeper Annie Burns was able to escape without harm until Lindsay Walker fed Ford in the 76th minute for an 18-yard blast that sailed just beyond her reach.