Amherst came into Saturday's games after a week-long hiatus. "Mentally we knew the games were going to be tough," said senior slugger Gina Scribner. "We knew we had to win both games in order to qualify for NESCACs, but we also recognized that this was a viable goal."
The Jeffs came out strong in the opener, combining heads-up defense with rock-solid pitching by sophomore Miya Warner, who struck out seven while allowing the Ephs only one unearned run on three hits. Amherst's lone scoring opportunity came in the third inning when Laura Trigeiro '06 doubled to right-center, advancing rookie Amy Watson, who had reached base on a fielder's choice. Watson attempted to take home on the hit, but a well-executed cut-off throw reached in time for the tag-out at the plate.
Williams' only run came in the top of the fifth as a runner stole second and the catcher's throw was deflected into the outfield, allowing the runner to advance to third and then all the way home to score the unearned run.
"I thought we played really well in the first game, we were consistent in the field and aggressive on the bases," said senior captain Jessica Allen. "The game could have gone either way; both teams had many scoring opportunities."
As if to quell any dispute over which was the superior team, Williams returned with an eight-hit performance in the second game, including two over-the-fence home runs. Amherst managed five hits in the 7-2 loss but was unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Scribner, the team's RBI leader, once again commanded the offense, going 2-3 in the second game and scoring a run. Rookies Caroline Polales, Annalise Rodli and Watson also recorded hits.
Hilary Little '07 took the loss pitching three and two-thirds innings before being relieved by Warner.
Without any NESCAC games left to play, Amherst's run at the championship is officially over. "It was disappointing to not make the NESCAC playoffs, that was one of our primary goals this season," said Allen. "But I'm proud of how far the team has come since the beginning of the year."
The youthful Jeffs have indeed made great strides in only a few short months. "Our hitting and bunting have definitely improved," said junior catcher Greta Anderson.
In terms of defense, "considering that we really didn't know who was going to play where until Florida, people did a great job of stepping into their positions," remarked Anderson. "Jess did a great job transitioning from the infield to outfield and Gina stepped right in at second base."
Anderson knows about transition. The outfielder made the switch to catcher this season and has been an imposing force at and behind the plate.
Much of the Jeffs' success can be attributed to an all-around team effort. Polales and Rodli have excelled at third base and shortstop respectively, while classmate Little provided over 60 innings of quality pitching. Trigeiro continued to be a threat at the plate, leading the team in batting average (.345) and slugging percentage (.452).
In her sophomore campaign, Warner again put up spectacular numbers, boasting a 1.45 ERA, down from last year's 1.66. She struck out an incredible 127 batters over 111 innings, recording 10 wins and six losses.
Yesterday Amherst faced Western New England College and lost, 1-0. This afternoon, the Jeffs take to the road again for another non-conference game against Springfield College.