Few teams can boast of enjoying as continual an upswing as the Amherst women's track and field team. For the past two years, each season has yielded better results than the year before. This spring should be no exception. Although the team is lucky enough to have a number of promising sprinters, it is in the middle and long distance events that Amherst truly excels.

Leading the pack for the Jeffs is Carter Hamill '05. Hamill, whose spectacular rookie season concluded with a dynamite performance and a first place finish in the 5,000 meter event at the NCAA Division III Championships, will attempt to repeat her accomplishment on the outdoor track. Although Hamill should blaze the way, standouts Erinn White '04, tri-captain Emily Lobsenz '02, Molly Burnett '02 and Sarah DeGraaf '05 should follow only a few seconds behind.

In the mid-distance events, the trio of Diana Rancourt '02, Becca Woo '02 and tri-captain Annie Perez '02 are all looking to close out their senior year with strong performances in the 800m and 1,500m races. All three have the potential to be top runners in New England. "We have a strong group of seniors who are really looking to go out with a bang this year," said Rancourt. "I think it's a great motivator not just for themselves, but also for the freshmen to see people who are so driven."

For the first time in a couple of years, the Jeffs have a strong squad of jumpers and heptathletes that are looking to contribute to the scoring not only on the track, but also in the pit. Helen Dole '04, Lee-Jay Henry '05, Ali Stahl '03 and Ali Rodriguez '05 have all shown promise early on. Dole and Stahl's experience and Henry and Rodriguez's strength should make for an effective group.

For the sprinters, veteran tri-captain Amie Shei '02 will look to lead the way in the 400m, while Kate Hamill '03 should make strides in the slightly longer speed events. A promising batch of newcomers, including Henry, Kate Ferris '05 and Monica Westin '05, will gain some valuable experience on the outdoor track after a series of impressive races during the indoor season.

Training is especially crucial in a sport like running. To escape the monotony of running around the cold, snowy roads of the town of Amherst, the women's team joined up with the men last week and headed to Miami, Fla. for a week of warm weather, team bonding and high mileage training.

This year, the women kick off their season at the Connecticut College Invitational on Saturday morning. The meet, while somewhat low-key in comparison to later invitationals, will include competition from schools such as Trinity College and the Coast Guard Academy.

The women are looking to send a number of team members to qualifying meets such as NESCACs, Division III New Englands, Open New Englands and Nationals.