Amherst went on the road this weekend, playing Friday night at Tufts University and Saturday at Bates. The women lost both games, falling 75-56 to the Tufts Jumbos and 72-46 to the Bates Bobcats.
Although guard Kim Glazier '07 sunk two free throws to give the Jeffs the lead minutes before halftime against Tufts on Friday, the Jumbos pulled ahead to a 36-27 edge at the break. Forward/center Katie Latham '06 set the pace for the Jeffs with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Glazier, guard Kristine Morin '06 and forward Julie Smith '06 also scored in double figures with 11, 11 and 10 points, respectively. Despite the individual scoring, Amherst never cut into Tufts' halftime lead and the Jumbos pulled away for good early in the third quarter.
Bates came out with a bang the next day, starting the game with an 18-2 run and finishing the half up by 32 points. The Jeffs had a tough time containing the Bobcats, especially without the help of senior quad-captain guard Marissa McGuire and key first-year forward Caroline Polales, who were both injured at Tufts.
"These two players are significant contributors to the program," said Head Coach Billy McBride, "and if they are healthy down the stretch we are a much better team with them in the line-up."
Although Latham led the team with 11 rebounds, the team as a whole was out-rebounded 58-41 by Bates. Morin was the only player to reach double figures for Amherst with 12 points, followed by first-year guard/forward Liz Avis with eight points.
Shooting remains a major problem for the Jeffs, as evidenced by a two-for-25 first-half performance and a slightly improved 11-for-31 second half.
Currently, the Jeffs are tied with Trinity College for eighth place in the league, but retain high hopes for the rest of the season. "Despite the weekend losses we remain optimistic and hopeful that we can make the NESCAC postseason if we can win two out of three remaining conference games," said McBride.
To make the playoffs, the Jeffs must remain in the top eight in the NESCAC. Amherst plays at Clark University tomorrow before traveling to Hartford to face league opponent Trinity .