Despite a season opening loss to non-league opponent Western Connecticut State University, the 'Dogs rebounded gracefully, easily defeating local foes Mount Holyoke and Smith Colleges. The team furthered their streak by besting four Massachusetts teams at the Western New England College Invitational, earning them first place in the tournament.
The following weekend brought the first NESCAC action of the season at Williams College. Despite a valiant attempt to control the hard-hitting Williams squad, the 'Dogs fell to the Ephs 3-0. Not ones to dwell on a loss, the Firedogs returned to the court Saturday to defeat Middlebury and Hamilton Colleges in convincing fashion.
Amherst maintained momentum the following weekend in its first home tournament, the Amherst Classic. The visitors didn't stand a chance against the consistent and relentless play of the 'Dogs, who defeated Trinity and Middlebury Colleges and Eastern Connecticut State and Wesleyan Universities all in straight (3-0) games.
Now standing 13-2 overall, Amherst traveled to Connecticut to compete in the Wesleyan Invitational. Though they started the weekend with a grueling five game loss to Springfield College, the 'Dogs kept up the intensity and managed to add three more non-conference wins, downing Smith, Trinity and Wesleyan.
The Firedogs competed in their second official NESCAC event of the season this past weekend at Trinity. Though Amherst had beaten both Trinity and Wesleyan twice already, these victories didn't factor into its conference record. In the face of increased pressure, the 'Dogs prevailed, defeating Wesleyan, Trinity and Connecticut College, earning them their current record of 5-1 within the NESCAC.
With half the season still left to play, Amherst is looking to fine-tune its game for important upcoming matches. Of the team's three losses, two have come in five-game matches in which Amherst led after two games, only to lose the next three. This apparent inability to finish could just be a result of the team's youth-Everden consistently plays five first-years. However, the coach herself attributes the loss to a more fundamental issue. "In the Springfield game we lacked a sense of urgency," she said. "We let down and the momentum switched just like that, we couldn't refocus."
Everden is optimistic about her team's performance in future five-game matches, anticipating one within the next two weeks.
The only other potential obstacle en route to a NESCAC championship is the feisty Williams team, currently ranked 22nd in the nation. The Firedogs lost the first match-up in Williamstown, but have since made substantial improvements to all aspects of their game. The two teams could come to a showdown at the Hall of Fame Tournament in two weeks, though the pairings have not yet been made for this tournament. If it takes place, the game would not count toward league standing, but it would give Amherst an opportunity to see the Ephs once more before the NESCAC championship.
Amherst's bid for the championship will rely on what can only be described as a total team effort. This year's team represents arguably the most talented Amherst squad in school history. "I love the depth on this team," stated Everden emphatically. "The fact that we're still changing around our lineup to find new combinations has been effective in keeping the other teams off balance and us fresher."
This depth comes from combining a talented group of veterans with an exceptional class of first-years. Senior co-captains Jessica Allen and Lauren Wong have added tremendously to the success of the program in their four years, tallying 473 and 525 career kills, respectively. In addition to their imposing offensive capabilities, the duo has also contributed defensive prowess, Allen with 814 digs and Wong with a whopping 439 total blocks.
Representing the junior class, Nikki Davidson and Annie Hoeksma have proved to be integral parts of the Firedog offense. Already this season Davidson has accumulated 187 kills and Hoeksma has dished out a total of 716 assists from her setter position.
The sophomore class contains the consistent and hard-hitting Sara Bruggeman and Natalie Soud who have combined for over 100 kills and nearly 80 blocks. Kate Raddock, also a sophomore, has provided the anchor of Amherst's defense this year. From the libero position she has tallied a team high 207 digs on the season.
The big news this season lies within a talented class of first-years. "They're really a dynamic group that's integrated itself with the veterans very well," said Everden. "They're simply an exceptional group of people." As for their contribution to the team, Everden can't say enough, "they've really helped us take one more step up in terms of volleyball."
Kristin Quinn '07 currently leads the team in kills and blocks with 200 and 103 and, according to Everden has a legitimate chance of securing the NESCAC's Rookie of the Year award. Classmates Megan Ingraham and Ashley Pestotnik have established themselves as menaces up front, while Laura Golden and Mikela Yarawamai have been "steadfast" in the back row.
The outlook for the remainder of the season is exceedingly positive for the Firedogs. This weekend the team gears up for a single Saturday game against Tufts University, a match that is sure to be exciting. "Tufts is an outstanding team, they're young, athletic and good," said Everden. "But so are we."
The following weekend Amherst co-hosts the Hall of Fame Tournament with Mount Holyoke, which should allow the team to play some challenging matches in preparation for their next and final NESCAC weekend before the championship. The team with the best conference record will host the championship, but only the winner is guaranteed a berth in the NCAA tournament.