MLax's Roller-Coaster Ride Gets Bumpier
By Sarah Gelles and Mary Doris Reggie, Sports Editors
After an early season rollercoaster, the Jeffs appeared to have settled down with two victories last week. But, with two tough conference losses this week to Trinity and Middlebury Colleges, the Jeffs seem to be going for another ride on the roller coaster. The losses again sink Amherst below .500 overall and to 2-2 in the NESCAC.

The 10-7 loss to the Bantams featured strong play from a number of players; six different Jeffs were involved in the scoring. Entering the second quarter down 3-1, the Jeffs scored two goals before the halftime to tie the score 3-3 with the 6-3 Bantams. Trinity then dominated the final 30 minutes, jumping out to a 7-4 lead by the end of the third period.

Leading the way offensively were senior tri-captain attacker Derek Cherney with a goal and an assist, and junior midfielder T.J. Jackson with two goals. The rest of the scoring was spread out evenly amongst first-year attackers J.T. Milone and Thomas McDonnell and midfielders Will Ferrer '08 and Tim Thornton '09.

Despite the balanced scoring, the Jeffs were disappointed with their play. "Seventy-five percent of the game was played in our end," explained Ferrer.

The main problem for the Jeffs was the Trinity duo of Kris Tedeschi and Adam Cox. Together they totaled six goals and four assists, nearly outscoring the Jeffs themselves.

On Saturday the Jeffs suffered their second conference loss to Middlebury College on the road. Just 45 seconds into the first quarter, Cherney scored an unassisted goal. Unfortunately the Jeffs could not keep the momentum in their favor, allowing the Panthers to dominate the game. Cherney's goal was answered by six consecutive Middlebury goals to close out the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Jackson began to close the gap with two unassisted tallies to bring the Jeffs within three points of Middlebury. The Panthers quickly responded with two more goals, leaving the score 8-3 at halftime.

"One of our main problems this past week was gaining offensive possessions," said Ferrer. The Panthers dominated the second half of the game with 29 shots compared to the Jeffs' 18. Exhausted by the persistent Panther offense and from battling the flu, Pietroforte '09 surrendered in the second half, allowing first-year goaltender Andrew Harrison to gain some minutes. The final score was 19-9, bringing the Jeffs' record to 2-2 in conference play.

Amherst remains high in the NESCAC standings, but will need to prove strong through the second half of the season. "The NESCAC is a tough league, and you have to come to play every game," said Ferrer. "We just weren't there, and as a result we lost to an inferior team."

The Jeffs are ready to use the disappointment of the Middlebury game as motivation for the important match-ups this week. "This week, although disappointing in many respects, was an important reality check," said midfielder Matt Himler '09. "I have faith that we'll get it together, rip more Gs, and thus win more games." The Jeffs will have an opportunity to boost their NESCAC standings today as they face Wesleyan University at 4:00.

NESCAC Notes

In beating Colby College 12-9, Tufts University remains the only team unbeaten in the NESCAC. Sophomore Clem McNally scored four of the Jumbos' goals.

Issue 22, Submitted 2007-04-11 03:59:37