Amherst improved its record to 11-1 in the Amherst Classic this weekend at LeFrak Gymnasium. The Firedogs' flame flickered slightly but continued to burn with outstanding wins against Muhlenberg College, Eastern Connecticut State University and Middlebury College. The Firedogs then fell to the team from Pomona and Pitzer Colleges in an extremely close championship match. Although the loss was a disappointment, the wins-especially against Middlebury-helped to bolster the 'Dogs' confidence. The win over Middlebury gave them necessary experience for the teams' upcoming NESCAC meeting.

The 'Dogs started off the weekend on Friday night with an easy three-game win over the Muhlenberg Mules (30-18, 30-16, 30-25). Rookie outside hitter Jaclyn DeMais led with 11 kills, two aces and three digs, while junior outside hitter Natalie Soud scored eight kills, two aces, four digs and a block. Senior co-captain outside hitter Nikki Davidson contributed seven more kills to the offense, with junior outside hitter Kate Raddock and sophomore outside hitter Kristin Quinn each adding six kills to round out the offense. Senior setter Annie Hoeksma began the tournament with 30 assists, five digs and one kill against the Mules.

The 'Dogs incinerated their next opponent Eastern Connecticut on Friday with scores of 30-28, 30-22 and 30-25. Quinn led the offense and the defense with 11 kills and four blocks, and DeMais also helped out on both ends with 10 kills, one ace and four digs. Raddock continued her excellent all-around play with seven kills on offense and 10 digs on the defensive end.

Two five-game matches on Saturday proved to be more grueling. The 'Dogs started off with a back-and-forth win over Middlebury (27-30, 30-18, 30-17, 26-30, 15-7 ). Again, Quinn led the team with 14 kills, two digs and three blocks. DeMais put up an astounding seven aces as well as 12 kills and eight digs. Junior middle hitter Sara Bruggeman rounded out the offense with 10 kills, while Hoeksma added 40 assists, three aces, two digs and four blocks. The defense was anchored by Raddock, with 16 digs and four kills.

After this tiring match, the 'Dogs jumped right into the championship against Pomona-Pitzer with a win in the first game. However, the wear of the weekend showed as the Jeffs fell in an exhausting five games (21-30, 37-35, 26-30, 30-27, 16-14). DeMais came out with 22 kills, 20 digs and a block to conclude a fantastic weekend with over 10 kills in every game. Raddock also capped a fine weekend, adding her own 15 kills and 22 digs.

Hoeksma put in 39 assists and three kills, while the defense was anchored by Berkley and sophomore Laura Golden.

"It would have been a great feeling to win, but I think it was a good reality check. In future matches like that, I think we'll remember what it felt like to lose by just a few points and come out the stronger team because of it," said Hoeksma of the Pomona-Pitzer match.

This weekend the 'Dogs travel to Middletown, Conn. for the Wesleyan Invitational.