The women's soccer team is poised and ready for the 2006 season. After an early oust in last year's NESCAC Tournament, the Jeffs hope that their skills will take them deeper into the postseason. With a 6-2-1 conference record in 2005, Amherst was tied for first with Tufts University going into the conference tournament. A successful season ended too soon after a first round double overtime stalemate with seventh-ranked Colby College. A penalty kick shootout ended the battle with the Jeffs falling 3-4.

"Our postseason play for the past two years has been very disappointing, especially in comparison to how well we do during the [regular] season," said tri-captain goalie Piper Crowell '07. "However, I have high expectations for the returning and incoming players."

And she should. Despite loosing seven influential seniors last year, the Jeffs' squad is filled with returnees, including seasoned veterans and a batch of impressive rookies. "Last year the first-year class was a great asset to the team," said Crowell. "Hopefully they can return with the same enthusiasm and use their experience to have even a greater impact."

Last year the Class of 2009 combined for 22 of the team's 67 total points. Stephanie Yesnik '09 led her class with nine points, while Alanna Darling '09 and Natalie Ferraiolo '09 added six and four points, respectively. A solid contribution was also made in the defensive end with the most game appearances from Kathryn Bentley '09 and Julia Steinberger '09.

Leading the Jeffs this fall will be a trio of captains: forward Lesley Pruzansky '07, defenseman Liz Foley '07 and Crowell. While Foley and Crowell will be pillars for the defense, Pruzansky will guide the team's offensive threat. Last year Pruzansky led the team in points with three goals and seven assists, giving her a first place tie for the highest assists per game average in NESCAC. Crowell also made a splash in the conference, boasting the best goals against average (.750) and third highest save percentage (.859) in the NESCAC. While these veterans will be counted on for similar or even better performances in 2006, other Jeffs will continue to have crucial roles on the Amherst squad. Fans can expect to see points coming from forward Amy Armstrong '07, who tied for eighth in the NESCAC in assists, and from midfielder Jenny Muller '07 who tied for 15th in the conference in goals.

As for key games, the Jeffs will face three top 20-ranked opponents: Tufts University (4) and Wheaton (14) and Bates Colleges (19). Last year the team came up victorious in a close 3-2 game against Bates, but suffered back to back loses to Tufts and Wheaton. In addition, the Jeffs will keep their eyes on other NESCAC foes, especially archrival Williams College.

"I think the three hardest games we will have this year will be against Bates, Tufts and Williams. Both Bates and Tufts were really strong last year and both were relatively young teams," said Crowell. "And Williams because it is Williams, and regardless of the talent each team has or one's record, the Williams game is always competitive and a fight to the last minute."

The Jeffs will be kicking off their season at Trinity College on Saturday, Sept. 9.

NESCAC Notes

Look for Tufts to be a tough team to beat this year after making it to the semifinals in the 2005 NCAA Tournament. However, Bates, the defending conference champion, will also be a strong contender for the conference title. The Bobcats claimed the 2005 NESCAC crown in an overtime win against the Jumbos.