The Bantams were on the ball early, and scored just one minute into the game off a penalty corner. Trinity followed that effort with two more goals in the middle of the first half. But the game wasn't as lopsided as the score implies. Even though they didn't play to their full potential, the Jeffs actually dominated much of the play, and outshot the Bantams seven to five in the opening stanza. However, Amherst was unable to find the back of the net.
"After a nice half time talk, however, we were able to find our game in the second half," said forward Christina Hopkins '10. "The nerves were out and we were able to play better as a team."
And indeed they did. Forward Christa Porcaro '08 scored her first goal of the season less than four minutes into the second half. Amherst continued to pressure the Bantams' defense, and Hopkins scored her first collegiate goal. Despite outshooting Trinity seven to four, Amherst was unable to climb out of the vicious 3-0 first half hole.
Although the Amherst team lost its first game, it did much to display the team's strengths. "It was a great thing that the majority of play during the game was in our offensive end and Trinity really didn't have much time in our defensive end; only a few quick breakaways which resulted in goals," said co-captain defender Amy Watson '07. "I think we did really well despite the score of the game, and this is only a starting point for us."
The opening game also enabled the team to pinpoint their weaknesses and work on fixing these weaknesses for the rest of the season. "For the rest of the season, we will need to keep developing our game as a team," said Hopkins. "We need to build confidence with each other's playing styles which will help us transition the ball smoothly and retain possession."
The Jeffs rebounded with a non-conference win over Smith College yesterday. Amherst continued to dominate the game, refusing to allow the Pioneers to take a shot in the first half. On a penalty corner with time expired in the first frame, Porcaro put the Jeffs on the scoreboard, slipping in a goal after a scramble in front of the net.
Once again, the Jeffs improved their play in the second half. Forward Mary Noonan '09 padded Amherst's lead by notching her first goal of the season. Smith countered with less than six minutes remaining, scoring on a penalty stroke. The Pioneers began playing with desperation, trying to tie the score, but the Jeffs held them off.
The win was a great confidence booster for the Jeffs, who played their first two games without injured co-captain midfielder Rachel Carr-Harris '07. Carr-Harris and Watson are the only seniors on the first-year and sophomore laden squad.
While the team is relatively young they still have great potential. "We are young, but very talented and skilled and I have a lot of faith in everyone to step into a game at any time," said Watson. "The team dynamic is great and I think that will take us a long way in terms of working together and building upon each others' strengths and making corrections where we have weaknesses."
As the season picks up, the Jeffs hope their chemistry and talent will allow them to pick up some more wins. "We get along very well and have great chemistry as a team," said midfielder Alyssa Dudzik '09. "I've also seen this chemistry on the field during practice, and hopefully it will come during games soon too."
NESCAC Notes
Middlebury College finished second in the NESCAC last season while Connecticut College was the sixth-place team. However, on opening day of 2006, the Camels gave the Panthers a run for their money, barely losing 4-3. Williams College got off to a strong start by shutting out Wesleyan University 4-0. Along with Trinity, Middlebury and Williams, Tufts University also scored four goals in its first game, besting Colby College by a score of 4-1.