In South Padre Island, Tex., the Jeffs lost their first contest to Denison, 60-47. Amherst bounced back the next day, claiming a 58-39 victory against MIT. Tri-captain guard Shaina Pollack '08 led the Jeffs throughout the South Padre Island Shootout. Pollack sealed her spot as one of five athletes on the All-Tournament team by totaling 20 points, six assists, six rebounds and four steals in only two games. The Jeffs' homecoming was marked by anticipation for the upcoming NESCAC match-ups, which will ultimately determine their seed in the conference tournament at the end of the season.
Over the winter break, the Jeffs worked on their discipline and a new defensive approach, improving their ball movement and transition scoring along the way. An improved and determined squad dominated a slew of challengers-victimizing Bates College, Wesleyan University and Middlebury College in an impressive three-game winning streak. The win against Wesleyan counted as a non-conference game, so Amherst will need to beat the Cardinals again on Feb. 3, when it will count in the NESCAC standings. Meanwhile, the contest against Middlebury proved that Amherst is a force with which to be reckoned. The Jeffs overcame a 10-point deficit in the second half to eventually quiet the Panthers, 65-59, on Middlebury's home court. Sophomore guard Kerry O'Loughlin '09 led the way for Amherst, recording a double-double with a game-high 18 points and 10 rebounds.
On Jan. 20, Amherst lost to archrival Williams College. The relatively close defeat, however, represented an improvement over the Jeffs' loss to the Ephs in early January, as they narrowed the margin by 15 points. Despite ultimately losing, the Jeffs showed a lot of heart and willpower, while also revealing the deep roots of the rivalry between the Ephs and the Jeffs.
Williams closed out the first half of the contest with 35-24 lead, but the Jeffs would not stop battling. As both teams took the court for the start of the second half, Amherst showed its teeth with aggressive defense and kept the Ephs guessing with a varied offense. The Jeffs broke down the Ephs with a 6-0 run to start the half, but the Ephs quickly regained their composure after a much-needed timeout.
Pollack and senior tri-captain Jenny Muller stole the momentum from the Ephs as both guards converted steals into layups, including a three point play by Pollack. Meanwhile, Muller woke up the crowd at LeFrak Gymnasium with an aggressive steal that shook up Williams while encouraging the Jeffs.
Both plays, along with first-year forward Samantha Swensen's layup off a Pollack pass, narrowed the score to 45-41. Swensen could not be stopped in the post, and notched six consecutive points to fuel Amherst's offense. Muller followed up with a jumper and a three-pointer, bringing the Jeffs within one point of the Ephs. Then, Pollack once again assisted Muller on a layup that gave Amherst a lead with only three-and-a-half minutes left on the clock.
The Ephs eventually regained control of the scoreboard, but Amherst had something of which to be proud. Despite the 61-55 loss, Amherst played hard and showed the NESCAC that the Jeffs will fight until the end. Their new 2-3 zone defense caused the Ephs to crumble at crucial points in the second half. Williams' field goal success was cut in half, dropping from about 40 percent in the first half to 20 percent over the final 20 minutes. Amherst's offensive cohesion and defensive pressure proved to be a serious threat.
To add to that threat, the Jeffs proved that many team members can contribute substantial numbers every game. Against Williams, Swensen totaled 14 points and five rebounds, while Muller notched 13 points and five rebounds. Junior tri-captain Stefanie Reiff recorded an impressive 10 rebounds, while guard Anne-Claire Roesch '08 tallied nine points of her own. Pollack had seven assists and two steals, and confirmed once again that she can and will be the ball-handler that will make big plays under pressure for the Jeffs. Pollack shared court time with guard Amanda Otieno '09, who sunk a pair of free throws and brought Amherst within 5 points in the first half.
Amherst only has three contests left on its schedule, each an important match-up with a NESCAC opponent. The Jeffs certainly agree on one thing: they will play to win. Amherst now has the experience, confidence and discipline to achieve their post-season goals. According to O'Loughlin, "When we play to our potential and execute on both offense and defense, we can compete with any team in the NESCAC. So, as a team, we are very excited about the NESCAC Tournament."
The Jeffs may be excited, but their opponents should be cautious. The next three games will determine the future and ultimate success of the Jeffs' season, and Amherst will do whatever it takes to make it to the top.
NESCAC Notes:
Bowdoin and Tufts are both currently undefeated and are ranked first and second respectively.