The women's soccer team started its season off with an impressive 2-0 victory Sunday over NESCAC rival Connecticut College. The first game of the year is always an important test for any team, but especially for a team coming off a NESCAC title and a runner-up finish in the NCAA Championship. Although the Jeffs lost the last game of the season during their NCAA run, they hope last fall's momentum will flow over this year.

"It's always nice to get the first win of the season under us and play well as a team, especially without [co-captain] Kate Shipley '03. She's such a large part of this team, we really miss her," said co-captain Brooke Diamond '03. Shipley injured her knee during a preseason scrimmage and is out indefinitely.

After a scoreless first half, midfielder Adrienne Showler '05 put the Jeffs on the board in the 53rd minute, beating Conn College's goaltender Paige Diamond, on a touch pass from fellow sophomore Tracy Montigny '05. Montigny followed up the rebound from a terrific shot by Kate Ferris '05 and found Showler for an easy goal. "Adri showed us last year, especially in the Tournament, that she can put the ball in the net," said Diamond. "The goal was very team-oriented. Adri is someone we're looking to count on for some scoring."

Paige Diamond, the younger sister of Amherst goalie Diamond, made a great save on Ferris, but could not stop Amherst's second effort. "It's weird playing against her," said the elder Diamond. "There is an added element to the game, but we're used to it by now since we played against each other in high school."

Amherst continued the scoring in the 75th minute, on a goal by midfielder Ashley Harmeling '05, a recent transfer from Harvard University. Harmeling broke free behind the defense, but was dragged down by a Conn College back who was called for a penalty. Taking advantage of the call, Harmeling scored on the ensuing free kick. "Ashley is a great athlete," said Diamond. "She will really help to make up for the loss of some of last year's seniors. She has been a pleasant surprise."

After the second goal, the Amherst defense took over, shutting down all of Conn's scoring opportunities. Diamond stopped all seven shots she faced, earning her 25th career shutout, and the Amherst backs kept Conn's strikers at bay. Lyn Wojcik '06, Mary Sarro-Waite '05 and Leslie Curran '05 picked up the slack on defense in Shipley's absence.

Next week, the Jeffs host Smith College on Thursday afternoon and NESCAC opponent Tufts University on Saturday morning. The Jeffs handed the Jumbos two losses last season, once during the regular season and then again during the NESCAC Tournament.