The week started off much in the way last week had finished-with Amherst falling behind early. The boisterous Tufts University Jumbos, who entered the game with a 3-1 conference record, surprised their hosts last Wednesday by jumping out to the early lead. Amherst maintained composure, however, and was able to take the first half 9-8.
The third quarter was a low-scoring affair. Despite 10 shots registered from both teams, each squad was able to add just one goal, and the game went to the final quarter 10-9, Amherst. But Amherst surged ahead for good in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning the contest 15-13.
Midfielder Mike Allison '04 led the Jeffs with four points on four goals. Andrew Syfu '05 continued to add to his point totals with a goal and three assists. In the net, Cushing Donelan '05 turned aside 15 Jumbo shots for the win. Raul Altreche '06 also got some time in goal, making one save in a half minute of action.
"I definitely think that Tufts versus Amherst has turned into a heated rivalry," said tri-captain defender Stephan Hein '03. "The last three games versus Tufts have been very physical and competitive, and I don't think there is any love lost between the two teams."
Amherst engaged in another back-and-forth battle on Saturday against the visiting Bowdoin College Polar Bears, this time winning in overtime. The Jeffs stormed out of the locker room to seize a 3-1 lead by the end of the first quarter, but the Bears answered right back with four second-quarter goals to send the game to halftime tied at five.
Bowdoin tallied four times in the third quarter and once more in the fourth propelling them to a commanding 10-8 lead in the final frame, but Amherst came right back. First, tri-captain attacker Chris Condlin '03 scored to cut the Bear lead to one. Then Allison registered his third goal of the game to tie things up and send it into overtime. In the extra session, Condlin played hero by scoring the sudden-death game winner, giving his team the dramatic 11-10 victory.
Donelan was sharp in goal, allowing nine goals but making 19 saves in 63 minutes. Altreche surrendered one goal in his minute of work. Condlin scored four goals overall, and Allison also added an assist to his hat trick.
Hein, who has registered just one point on the season but whose defense and leadership have been invaluable, was pleased with his team's performance this week. "Both the Tufts and the Bowdoin games were big wins for us," said Hein on Monday. "After last weekend's back-to-back losses, we needed to refocus and get back on track. With the last two wins I think we have."
Amherst completed its home schedule yesterday with a win over Connecticut College. It was a low-scoring game in the early going, and they went to the half tied at two.
Tied at five in the fourth quarter, middie Joaquin Walker '05 gave Amherst the lead before tri-captain middie Matt Margolis '03 scored the game-winner. Donelan allowed a Camel goal that cut the Jeff lead to one, but stood tall down the stretch, making a crucial save to ice the game with about 30 seconds left.
Allison, named NESCAC Player of the Week, led the way with a hat trick.
Amherst, now 9-3 overall and 6-2 in NESCAC play, had entered this week of play just 1-3 in games decided by two goals or less. But with the three close wins, Amherst has now improved that dubious mark to 4-3.
Pulling out the close games is often what separates the good teams from the elite, so Head Coach Tom Carmean and the rest of the Jeffs must be happy to have won three tight, hard-fought contests this week. And with the playoffs fast approaching, Amherst can expect to find itself in some more tight games soon.
"Even when every game is close, it's hard to describe how much better it feels to be on the winning side," said Condlin.
The Jeffs, who have already clinched a spot in this year's postseason, will look to a balanced attack and stalwart defense to propel them to the championship. There are five Jeffs with 20 or more points, lead by attackman Alex Casertano '05 and his 31 points. Joining Casertano on that list are Condlin (30 points), Allison (27), middie Andrew Syfu '05 (22) and Margolis (21).
What's perhaps more remarkable, however, is that there are three Amherst players with at least 15 assists: rookie attacker Kevin Boova leads the team with 17, while Casertano and Syfu each have 15 to their credit. Whereas last year it was almost exclusively Casertano setting up the offense, this year the Jeffs have benefited from a more multi-dimensional attack.
"It's been great to have a string of home games, with good fans, and good weather, and improved team play from game to game," said Condlin on Monday. "Now the plan is to use the momentum we have from two consecutive wins to dominate the conference in the final stretch. I think we can do it."
Amherst will close out the regular season this Saturday at Williams at 1p.m. Then it's time for the NESCAC playoffs, which kick off this Sunday at times and locations yet to be determined.