Senior forward Jenna Obelsky, who only had one assist last year, single handedly took the game over and went home with one goal and three assists on the day. Helping out Obelsky on the wing was another senior midfielder, Katharine Ryan. Offensively and defensively, the Obelsky-Ryan combination frustrated MIT. However, Obelsky and Ryan weren't the only ones running circles around MIT. One on one, the entire Amherst squad had an obvious advantage in both stick handling and speed.
A big question mark coming into this season was how the women were going to fill some gaping holes on defense left by departed members of the Class of 2002. Though the defense featured many players in new, unfamiliar positions, they remained solid. Playing as a unit, the defense allowed only one goal in the 70 minutes of play.
Two new goalies split time in net for Amherst. Sophomore K.C Cosentino only had to make two saves but turned away all her shots. Freshman Anne McMullin allowed the only goal of the game, but made five impressive saves as well. The two goalies have contrasting styles of play: Cosentino relies on a finesse game, while McMullin is more of an aggressive minded goalie.
Also finding their way into the scoring column against MIT were Christine Ryan '04, Tyler Kelly '05 and Abby Ouimet '03, each tallying one goal apiece.
Perhaps expecting something of an easy game, the women took on the Jumbos of Tufts University last Saturday in their home opener. What had been complete domination against MIT turned into submission against Tufts. "[Tufts] came out more aggressive," said senior co-captain Molly O'Connor. Amherst found themselves on defense a good portion of the time in the first half of the game, playing at a slower pace than usual. Despite Amherst's less than terrific play, the team found itself unscathed at the half in a scoreless tie. The Lord Jeffs came out in the second half hoping to turn things around against what O'Connor felt was "one of the stronger Tufts teams I've seen in a while."
The offense finally got some needed opportunities in the shape of shots and corners. Three shots from Ouimet and one from Obelsky put pressure on Tufts' goalkeeper, but all four shots failed to find the back of the net.
Even with McMullin making six saves for the Jeffs in a strong effort, a Tufts goal by Jennie Sachs from Jeanne Grabowski with 10:55 remaining in the game would stand as the game winning goal. The Jeffs will try to put this loss behind them and learn from their mistakes as they take on Smith College at home this Thursday. Amherst resumes competition in the NESCAC this Saturday when the Jeffs will host the Bobcats of Bates College at Hitchcock Field.