The offense has stalled, scoring only nine goals on the season, and the defense has been porous, allowing 12 goals. On top of these statistics, Amherst lost their third straight game this week to two very strong opponents, Mount Holyoke and Middlebury Colleges.
These girls do not need sympathy, however. "This group is more than a team-we're friends," said goalie Anne McMullin '06 of her teammates. "And that shines through in the games whether we lose or win."
The Jeffs have reached a crucial period in their season. The last five games of the season are all NESCAC games, giving the women a chance of finishing 5-4, a respectable record heading into the NESCAC Tournament. "We feel confident we'll end with a bang," McMullin said. "Our strength is going to come out soon and we all know it."
Amherst first hosted Mount Holyoke this past Wednesday in what seemed like a somewhat lackluster effort by the Jeffs. After a series of penalty corners and with ball possession heavily in favor of Mount Holyoke, Amherst quickly found itself chasing the competition. In the 24th minute, the defense seemed like it just could not handle the pressure anymore and Mount Holyoke junior Lauren Weiner nudged in the only goal of the game past goalkeeper K.C. Cosentino '05.
In the second half, the Jeffs came out hard and determined to tie the game up. Amherst senior Jenna Obelsky blasted four shots to lead the Jeffs, and seniors Abby Ouimet, Christine Ryan and sophomore Erin Leydon each ripped two shots apiece. However, as tough as Amherst played, the shots would not fall. Mount Holyoke goalkeeper Elizabeth Wishart played well, making seven saves for the shutout. Mount Holyoke improved their record to 7-1.
Amherst next got on the bus and traveled three-and-a-half hours to play the Panthers. Perhaps the long bus ride played to Middlebury's benefit because Amherst found itself unable to ignite the spark needed to get going.
Middlebury's Becca Brakeley scored the first goal off a sloppy rebound. The following 14 minutes were largely dominated by Middlebury with only a few scoring chances for Amherst. The Panthers extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal by Ashley Pullin off an unstoppable crossing pass from Char Glessner. McMullin, who came in to replace sophomore Cosentino, could do nothing but watch the ball hit the backboard.
Amherst again came out fired up to play in the second half, but the good fortune which Amherst has been missing all season was still nowhere to be found. Middlebury scored the only goal of the second half with 26 minutes remaining to finish the game at a score of 3-0.
"The score doesn't show what type of game was played on Saturday." McMullin said. However, Amherst posted only two shots and three penalty corners against Middlebury, forcing the Panthers goalie to make only one save. Cosentino finished with three saves and McMullin had eight.
The field hockey team is swimming in unfamiliar waters this season. Used to winning seasons and high seeds in tournaments, the team must look within itself to find what it will take to produce a win. "We're not going to get used to this feeling, not yet, not until we show our full potential to the rest of the league." said McMullin of her team's attitude. "We are confident that things are going to change for the better, and very soon!"
There is no time like the present for the Lord Jeffs as they head north to New Hampshire this Wednesday to play Keene State University. Then, while the rest of the College is taking a break, the Jeffs will host Colby College on Saturday and try to turn this season around. Colby will be the first of the last fives games of the regular season and, for the seniors, these games may be the last time to play and beat their NESCAC rivals.