Amherst opened the regular season at Trinity College on Nov. 21. Just 80 seconds into her collegiate career, forward Alena Harrison '07 gave Amherst the lead, one the Jeffs would not relinquish. Harrison would go on to complete the hat trick and add an assist, leading Amherst to a 5-1 season-opening win. Goaltender Lindsay Grabowski '07 made 22 saves in her debut.
The Jeffs lost the next afternoon at Wesleyan University 4-2, but won their home opener the following Saturday over Hamilton College. Amherst bombarded the Hamilton net in the first period with 16 shots on goal, five of which eluded the Continental keeper. The Jeffs added another goal in the second period and withstood a late charge from the visitors to win the game 6-4. Hamilton beat Amherst the following day at Orr Rink, 5-3, but the loss did not spoil the Jeffs' promising start to the season.
Amherst showed signs of improvement under the guidance of new Head Coach Jim Plumer through the first two weekends of play. The win over Hamilton was Amherst's second conference victory of the new season. The Jeffs didn't win their second conference game last season until Feb. 15, their 21st game of the year. Amherst also broke the three-goal barrier twice, a feat the team last accomplished on Feb. 13, 2002, with a 4-2 win over College of the Holy Cross.
Forward Ali White '04 has enjoyed a terrific start for Amherst. With three goals and four assists, White has almost equaled her total output from a year ago (nine points). The fast start for Amherst hopefully portends of good things to come.
"I am really pleased with the start of our season," said White. "Hamilton is one of the better teams in the NESCAC and it felt great to beat them in our home opener. We're only going to get better."
The Jeffs will be busy at home this week, hosting St. Michael's College tonight at 7:00 before taking on conference powerhouses Middlebury and Williams Colleges at Orr Rink this Friday and Saturday.