Amherst found itself 3-2 overall after the first five games of the season. The two losses came at the hands of NESCAC rivals Bates College and Tufts University, both at home. However, the highlight game of the first third of the season came on a brisk night in Springfield, Mass. Unbeaten at home, the Pride of Springfield College hosted the Jeffs and perhaps underestimated their resounding talent.
Katherine Ryan '03 scored first off a pass from Erin Leydon '05 to take the early lead. After Springfield tied up the game at one goal apiece, it was senior co-captain Carlyn Lamia's turn. Lamia, off an assist from junior Christine Ryan, stuck her first career goal and the Jeffs went up 2-1.
But the lead would not hold, and at 2-2, the two teams headed into overtime. The Pride, then ranked 13th in the nation, quickly became overpowered, and fell to the Jeffs when senior Abby Ouimet, a member of the Division III North Senior All-Star Team, sent home the game-winning goal off a rebound.
After the victory over Springfield, it seemed like things were coming together for the team. "I have been so proud of the underclassmen, especially the sophomores, for stepping up and dealing with new roles on our team," said Ouimet. But, the second third of the season would be the darkest string of games any of these seniors could remember.
The Jeffs scored just one goal and allowed nine in four games, going 0-4 overall. Three of those four games were NESCAC opponents and Amherst found itself in the basement of the league at 0-5.
But, Amherst wasn't done playing. In the final third of the season, the Jeffs went 4-1, posting four shutouts and letting in only two goals. The only loss was to Wesleyan University, a game mostly dominated by Amherst.
"[It] was our consistent hard work and desire to improve throughout the season that enabled us to win," said Lamia of the streak. "We have a great time playing, that is why we're here, and that is why we won."
Ryan applauded her team's determination. "This team has such heart and we proved that by turning our season around and winning four of our last five games to make the NESCAC Tournament."
While all four wins were games to be proud of, the sweetest victory came on the heels of Family Weekend and senior day. Ranked 19 in the nation, Williams came into Amherst with only one overtime loss. On top of the NESCAC, the Ephs had no idea what was about to hit them.
After playing two tough halves, the Jeffs and the Ephs were in a scoreless tie. The teams reduced their numbers to eight per side, and overtime was underway. The first two minutes were worrisome for Amherst fans as Williams seemed to be dominating play. Freshman goalie, Anne McMullin, named NESCAC Field Hockey Player of the Week, was forced to make a diving save in the early minutes. But then the Jeffs found a window of opportunity.
Double teamed at middle field and knowing someone had to have been open, Ouimet. passed the ball between two Williams defenders to Ryan who was alone near the goalie. After the Williams goalie's save, Ryan rebounded her shot and sent the ball home.
"I'll remember beating Williams in overtime on our home field as one of my all time sports highlights," said senior co-captain Molly O'Connor. "The way we played in that game is how I'll remember this team."
A week later, the Jeffs pulled out another thrilling victory, this time against Trinity College, with Ouimet notching the game-winner in the fourth minute of overtime. But the team fell to Williams the following Sunday afternoon in the first round of the NESCAC Tournament.
"It's always difficult to end your season with a loss to Williams," said Ouimet, "but no one can take away our first game in the regular season against them where we played so well and beat them in overtime."
Five seniors will be saying goodbye to Amherst field hockey for good. In the front, the Jeffs will lose Jenna Obelsky, who scored two goals and posted three assists this year, and Ouimet, who totaled an astounding 54 career points and as a junior was both a First Team All-NESCAC and First Team STX/NHFHCA Division III New England West Region All-America selection.
Ryan, a dominant wing midfielder, finished the year with two goals, two assists, and 12 career points. Finally, co-captains O'Connor and Lamia, the backbone of the defensive unit, will be graduating in May.
Five bodies will fill these seniors' positions next year, but their heart and intensity will never be forgotten.