"We were disappointed with our play this weekend," said Sarah Godwin '05. "I think we might have gone into this tournament with our expectations set a bit high." The field at The Orchards included 20 teams, including many D-I schools. The Jeffs placed second among D-III schools, falling only to St. Lawrence University by four strokes.
On Sunday, Meg Sullivan '05 led the Jeffs with a personal best 82, earning her 22nd place. Also, captain Katie Gravel '03 shot a brilliant 38 on the back nine, earning her 19th place individually. The Jeffs head to Williams College next weekend for the Williams Invitational where they seek to regain their dominance over their division.
The men faced a weak field and capitalized, placing a season-best fifth place at the NESCAC Tournament. Amherst's two-day total of 633 left them 20 shots behind champion Middlebury College, who edged out Williams College by one stroke. The tournament, held at Middlebury College, included only NESCAC schools, giving the Jeffs weaker competition than in previous weeks.
"Fifth is the highest finish we have had so far, but there was no sense of accomplishment," said Keith Zalaski '06.
"We have the talent to win NESCACs," added David Litt '06. It was a difficult weekend for the two freshmen on the team, as Litt's 77 on Sunday was the only round in the 70s for the Class of 2006. But Litt was upbeat believing Sunday "will give me confidence for the last two tournaments of the fall." Zalaski, too, was optimistic on the rest of the season. "I see my game getting better and better with the more tournaments I play in," said Zalaski.
After solid performances in the first two tournaments, sophomore Justin Sharaf shot 77-76 for a combined 153, earning him Second-Team All-NESCAC honors.
The team will take a week and a half to recharge before returning to action at the WNEC Invitational on Oct. 10, where more strong individual efforts will be needed for success.