The field hockey team knows a thing or two about momentum. Despite a slow start in 2006-posting a 2-6 record through the halfway point of the season-the Jeffs gained momentum in the second half and won six of their last eight games. Included in that stretch was a five-game win streak and an upset win over archrival Williams College in the quarterfinals of the NESCAC Championships. The Jeffs ended the season at 8-8, their best record since 2003. However, five of the eight losses were by a single goal, two of which were in overtime. Of the 21 players on the roster, 15 were underclassmen, many of whom saw significant playing time. All of these facts should give the Jeffs confidence as they kick off the new season.

"We're returning bascially our enitre team so we have a lot of experience," said tri-captain goalie Kathleen Boucher '08. "We are excited to have the first-years join the team. Everyone has already made a great contribution."

Even with a wealth of young talent, the Jeffs will miss four-yearr starters Rachel Carr-Harris '07 and Amy Watson '07. However, there are young Jeffs waiting to fill their positions.

Of the 62 points recorded by Amherst last year, the Jeffs are returning players who scored 55 of them. Forward Molly Malloy '10 led the team in scoring, and was supported by fellow forwards Haley Douds'10, Christina Hopkins '10, Caki Guinee '09 and 2007 tri-captain Christa Porcaro '08. Midfielder Alyssa Dudzik earned First Team All-NESCAC honors, and looks to make another impact in the midfield with seniors Carolyn Shea and Sarah Tracy and sophomores Hannah Walker and Liz Tepe. The Jeffs return nearly their entire starting defense, headed by tri-captains Lauren Benson '08 and Boucher. Also in the backfield will be Louise Stevenson '09, Catherine Calvert '09, Sarah Conway '10, Tierney Healey '10 and Tyler Tory-Murphy '10, with Jane Mostue '09 contribuing in goal.

This fall Amherst welcomes five first-years to the squad. Julie Santosuosso '11, Carly Leahy '11 and Liz Schink '11 will look to make an impact on the midfield and forward lines, while Rachel Egan '11 and goalie Kristin Hickey '11 will contribute on defense.

The Jeffs certainly have the personnel to make a run in 2007, and Head Coach Carol Knerr recognizes both this and the momentum the Jeffs are carrying in from the end of last season. Building on that momentum, the field hockey team took a 10-day trip to Europe this summer. The Jeffs played in three exhibition games across the ocean, and used the opportunity to come together as a team and jump start the season. "Our team improved tremendously because we had the privilege of having two practices with a Dutch coach and being able to play together," said Boucher. "We helped each other navigate countries where we didn't know the language. It was a great bonding experience for our team."

Another card stacked in the Jeffs' favor is the addition of a new turf field. For years Amherst had been at a disadvantage as the only NESCAC school without turf. Now with all of their practices and home games held on the newly completed Gooding Field, the pieces are in place for the Jeffs to have a tremendous season.

Amherst looks to build momentum at the start of the season with a home game against Trinity College on Sept. 8.