Jeffs Clinch Top Seed in League
By Julia Steinberger, Staff Writer

The women’s basketball team ended their regular season on a high note last Saturday, as they cruised to a victory over the Bantams of Trinity College. The Jeffs ended the regular season with an overall record of 22-2, 7-2 in the NESCAC, and earned the top seed in the conference tournament.

“Having the number one seed means a lot to us,” said senior tri-captain Anne-Claire Roesch. “We’re undefeated at home and are looking to continue that streak all the way through the NESCAC Tournament.”

The Jeffs played with heart and intensity from the very first whistle, never allowing Trinity to get into a rhythm on offense. Amherst’s tenacious pressure allowed the Bantams to score only four points in the first 8:30 of play.

“Our defense in the first half was suffocating, and I think Trinity had a lot of trouble running their plays and getting their scorers the ball,” said Roesch. “We had many steals in the early going and then converted at the other end of the floor.”

The Jeffs managed to maintain their energy throughout the game. Veterans and rookies alike contributed on both sides of the court, making the outcome a true team victory.

Roesch recorded a career-high 20 points, making all six of her three-point attempts. Rookie center Sarah Leyman added 19 points, while senior tri-captain Stefanie Reiff grabbed six rebounds.

Said junior guard and forward Yasmine Harik, “The most important part of the game against Trinity was our mindset: we came out knowing that we had to win, first and foremost, in order to have a chance at getting the number one seed. We also wanted to end the season with a strong game; we were mentally prepared to get the win.”

The Jeffs will face eighth-seeded Colby College in the quarterfinals of the NESCAC Tournament on Saturday in LeFrak Gym. If they come away with the win, Amherst will host the semi-final and championship games of the tournament.

This week in practice, the team will attempt to polish all aspects of its game. However, the emphasis will be on defense. “We’ve shown good things on offense, but anyone on our team could tell you that on any given day, big stops as opposed to big baskets will be what win games for us,” said Roesch.

MEET THE FIRST-YEARS:

Name: Kristyn Dunleavy

Year: 2011

Hometown: East Setauket, NY

Position: Guard

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

A: I like to get some double bubble gum from our trainer and chew that before warm ups.

Q: Did you or do you play any other sports?

A: I played lacrosse in high school, but our team got cut my junior year. I always was more serious about playing basketball, and lacrosse was more for fun so it wasn’t really much of a decision.

Q: Do you have a favorite team or player?

A: My favorite team is the Knicks, but my favorite player is Tayshaun Prince.

Q: Why Amherst?

A: Amherst had a great reputation and I could play basketball here.

Name: Courtney Long

Year: 2011

Hometown: Norwich, CT

Position: Guard

Q: What is your best basketball memory?

A: Sam Swenson’s buzzer-beating three at the end of the Endicott game in Florida [on Jan. 4].

Q: What is your typical pre-game meal?

A: It usually consists of something along the lines of pasta and blue Powerade.

Q: Do you have a favorite team or player?

A: My favorite basketball team is UNC and my favorite current player is Rip Hamilton [of the Detroit Pistons].

Q: What is the best part about being a part of Amherst Women’s Basketball?

A: My favorite part of the team is all of the girls ... we all get along really well and we always have a good time.

Issue 17, Submitted 2008-02-20 01:58:34