However, this is not the case for the women's lacrosse team. For the first time in Amherst history, the Jeffs enter a new season defending an NCAA Championship, having snapped Middlebury College's 51-game winning streak with an 11-9 victory in the title game on May 18. Despite the loss of eight seniors to graduation, a young and talented team is eager to take on the challenge of filling eight open spots and defending the national championship.
In order to even think about competing in the 2004 NCAA Tournament, Amherst must fill the shoes of the accomplished class of 2003. All eight seniors started for much of last season at numerous positions in the Amherst lineup, providing leadership both on and off the field. Abby Ouimet '03 and classmate Mary Kate Allen were the team's second- and third-leading scorers, respectively. Ouimet also led the team and the NESCAC in points (103) with an incredible school-record 48 assists in addition to 55 goals. Laura Schifter '03 and Erin Beaumont '03 were also big offensive contributors with 40 points apiece in their final seasons. Three members of the class of 2003 bolstered the Jeff defense: Annie Jamieson, Molly O'Connor and BriAnne Watkins provided stability to a stingy back line that let up only 185 goals all season. The anchor of Amherst's defense for four seasons and the final member of the class of 2003, goalkeeper Brooke Diamond, was the National Div. III Player of the Year. Her absence and the absence of her seven classmates will significantly alter the look of the 2004 Amherst lineup.
Every Jeff, however, is up for the task of replacing her predecessor. "Everybody wants to play," said Co-Head Coach Chris Paradis. "And there are a lot of opportunities." Amherst returns senior tri-captains forward Liz Martin, midfielder Allison Aldrich and fellow middie Jackie Sargent along with classmate defender Christine Ryan, who spent last spring abroad but started as a sophomore.
"Ryan is providing great upperclassmen leadership on the defensive end of things," said Aldrich.
Martin was among the most potent scoring threats in the league last season, leading the Jeffs in goals with a school-record 66 and earning herself First Team All-American honors in the process. As an offensive midfielder, Aldrich was the fourth-leading scorer on the team and starred in the national title contest with three goals and an assist. Sargent also did her part on offense while playing defensive midfield with 20 scores.
"They already have [stepped up] in the past two weekends and really set the tone," said Paradis. "They are crucial to our success."
Members of the classes of 2005 and 2006 are also in the mix this season for the Jeffs. WomensLacrosse.com All-Rookie Team member Scotty Hanley '06 returns to the offense after starting all 20 games in her first year of collegiate play. Classmate Margaret Chute appeared in 19 of 20 games in the midfield in 2003, earning the starting spot for the final seven games of the year as the Jeffs made their title run.
Perhaps the most important member of the class of 2005 is goalie Olivia D'Ambrosio, who spent the past two seasons waiting patiently behind Diamond and appearing in a handful of games. However, despite her lack of collegiate game experience, D'Ambrosio is more than ready for the challenge that awaits.
"Liv [D'Ambrosio] is just really ready to play," said Paradis. "She's been having great practices and scrimmages. She's ready for the task of filling Brooke's shoes."
Aldrich was also quick to praise the newcomer to the starting job. "[D'Ambrosio] has a quick step to the ball and will be crucial in our defense."
Other players will also look to step into larger roles in 2004. Cate Smith '05 and Caitlin Parker '06 will look to contribute in the midfield, while Ashley Harmeling '05 will help fill holes on offense. Jenna Swan-Gross '05, her classmate Rachel Tranter and Laura Brown '06 will also compete for time on the defensive end. In addition, Amherst boasts its largest crop of first-years in history, with 11 members of the class of 2007 on roster.
Though it may be tempting to look ahead to defending the national title, Amherst is taking it one step at a time, starting with Drew University this weekend.
"Everybody's gunning for us so we can't overlook anybody," said Paradis.
Over spring break Amherst will take a mid-Atlantic route, traveling to play at Drew University in Madison, N.J. and Mary Washington College in Fredricksburg, Va. Looking further ahead, an Amherst-Middlebury rematch will take place at home on April 3.
In the meantime, Paradis said she is excited to see what this year's team can do. A combination of youth, experience, enthusiasm and talent should serve the 2004 Jeffs well as fresh faces take the field and look to carry on a tradition of excellence.