Once again, the A-side of the Williams College women's rugby team returned home shirtless last weekend, thanks to a thrilling 5-3 win by the Jeffs in one of the squad's best all-around performances of the season. Though the Williams B-side snuck past Amherst with a 7-5 victory, it was another successful weekend for the Amherst women's ruggers.

"The incentive of a $40 jersey definitely gave us an extra push to our intensity," said Jill Brennan '01. "The game started off as a nailbiter, and it ended that way too."

With the wind at their backs, the Ephs held the advantage in the first half of play, keeping the Amherst defense pinned deep in their own territory. The Amherst defense held off the brunt of the Eph attack, however, limiting the visitors to a lone penalty kick, and a 3-0 lead at the half despite Williams' offensive domination.

"I think all of us were a bit nervous during the first half," said Brennan. "We were unsure if the strong wind was what was keeping Williams near our try zone, or if they were just a stronger team than we were."

The Jeffs answered that question in the second half, rallying from the 3-0 halftime deficit en route to the 5-3 victory.

Directly opposite of the play in the opening period, after halftime it was the Jeffs who dominated on offense, keeping Williams buried within their own five-meter line. The Ephs still led late, 3-0, before the play of the game put the Jeffs ahead for good.

After a Williams penalty, the Jeffs set up with forward Katherine McMullin '01 on the far side, with only a lone Williams wing guarding her. After the hosts worked the ball over to her, McMullin barged over the Eph and into the try zone, giving the Jeffs a 5-3 lead, one which they would not relinquish.

The defense, which held Williams to only three points in the opening half, completely shut the Ephs down in the second half, giving the Jeffs the 5-3 win-and the Williams players' jerseys.

The B-side match did not go as well for the Jeffs. Williams squeaked by with a 7-5 win, Amherst's first loss of the season, but there were still positives to take away from the match for the hosts. The Jeffs got on the board first courtesy of a try by Anna Savage '04, but the conversion was unsuccessful, and the Ephs retaliated with a try and conversion of their own, setting up the final 7-5 margin.

"The B-side had an awesome year, and many of the players are in their first season," said Nell Thompson '01. "Hopefully, this loss will inspire them to destroy Williams in the future." For that, they can also take lessons from the A-side.