Since returning to Orr Rink on Jan. 7-their first game since posting a 3-3 tie against Utica College on Dec. 12, the Jeffs have posted one win, three losses and three ties. While these aren't spectacular results for the up-and-coming Jeffs, it can't be ignored that two of the losses came against national powerhouse Bowdoin College, and one tie came against eighth-ranked University of St. Thomas. "I was impressed by how sharp we were when we returned to practice," said Head Coach Jim Plumer. "As has been the case throughout the year, the work ethic remains strong, it's the consistency in the mental game that has lacked at times."
On the weekend of Jan. 7-8, Amherst hosted Bowdoin and Colby Colleges. Against the Polar Bears, the Jeffs were definitely overmatched, yet hung around for a while before eventually losing, 4-1. Rookie netminder Stacey Johnston kept the Jeffs in the game with 40 saves, and Alena Harrison '07 scored the lone Jeff goal. It was Harrison's first tally since scoring eight as a first-year.
The Jeffs' second game of the weekend was a 2-2 tie against the Mules. Things got off to a good start as Tes Siarnacki '07 scored less than a minute into the game, and the Jeffs controlled the puck for much of the first period despite mustering only six shots on goal. A goal early in the second period by the Mules gave Colby some momentum heading into the third period, where they scored in just under four minutes to take a 2-1 lead. After a quick stint on the bench to catch her breath, an exhausted Rachel Simon '07 took a feed from Elizabeth Ditmore '08 on a late power play and tied the game at two. The Jeffs controlled play in overtime, outshooting the Mules 6-0 in the extra session. Johnston recorded 28 saves in her first career tie.
A few days later, the Jeffs hosted the Connecticut College Camels in the front end of a doubleheader with the men's team. The Jeffs' top three scorers put the game out of reach early on. Simon, Siarnacki and Renee Sisti '06 all scored their fifth goals of the season, and Siarnacki added her sixth in the 5-1 rout. Christa Porcaro '08 also found the net, scoring the first goal of her young career.
Following the Conn. game, the Jeffs took a trip to Minnesota where they visited with family and friends, enjoyed the negative temperatures and played some night hockey on a frozen lake. "Our trip was unbelievable! The highlight for many was playing pick-up on the lake," said co-captain and Minnesotan Sarah Mason '05. "It brought out the little things that remind us why we play hockey, love it and find it so fun."
In addition to their extra-curricular fun, the Jeffs played games against Augsburg and St. Thomas Colleges, losing 3-2 to Augsburg and tying eighth-ranked St. Thomas, 2-2.
The loss to Augsburg was tough as the Jeffs allowed two power-play goals and had three more penalties than the host team. Two days later, however, the Jeffs played their best game of the season, taking a nationally-ranked St. Thomas squad to overtime in a 2-2 tie. Simon and Kaplan supplied the offense, as each tallied a goal and Simon provided an assist. "I would have to say that the tie against St. Thomas must be one of the finest efforts ever by an Amherst women's [hockey] team," said Plumer.
Grabowski was in net against St. Thomas, saving 28 shots for her third tie in four starts. With rookie goaltender Stacey Johnston '08 out for the season after suffering an injury in practice, Grabowski will be forced to shoulder the same load she handled last year: the lone goalie on the roster. Luckily for the Jeffs, Grabowski has plenty of experience.
The Jeffs hit the road again, travelling to Maine to face Colby and Bowdoin, both for the second time. Grabowski did all she could for the Jeff against Colby, stopping all 16 shots fired her way, but the Jeff offense couldn't convert, and the Jeffs had to settle for their second tie of the season against the Mules, 0-0. It was Grabowski's league-leading fourth tie of the season and her third career shutout.
Although the Jeffs suffered a 9-3 defeat at Bowdoin, they were the first NESCAC team not from Williamstown or Middlebury to score three goals in a game against the Polar Bears in the last four years. Simon had a goal and an assist as she continued to lead the team and NESCAC defensemen in points with six goals and 13 assists.
The Jeffs now stand at 3-6-5, a stark contrast to last year when they did not tie a game all season. Upcoming games against Williams and Middlebury Colleges at home should be difficult tests, but after this weekend, the Jeffs will be able concentrate on four non-conference opponents and a few of the weaker NESCAC teams.