The Amherst College men’s lacrosse team finished out their season last Saturday with a strong home win against Colby College, 17-12. Despite the convincing win, the Jeffs will not move on to the NESCAC playoffs, ending the season 8-7 overall and 3-6 in the NESCAC.
Initially, neither team pulled away from its opponent. The Jeffs took first blood with a goal by Rob Denious ’10. Colby returned with two straight goals. The Jeffs rallied, however, as senior tri-captain T.J. Jackson scored with seven seconds remaining to end the first quarter in a 2-2 tie. The deadlock would continue throughout the second quarter, until two goals by sophomore Tom McDonnell gave Amherst the advantage. The Jeffs never looked back, holding the lead for the remainder of the game.
With the start of a new half, the teams began to focus on offense. Whereas the earlier quarters had been a defensive deadlock, both teams now blew open the scorers column, combining for 12 goals in the third quarter alone. The Jeffs maintained and extended their advantage, outscoring the White Mules 7-5 to end the third quarter ahead, 12-8.
Strong play continued into the fourth quarter. All five of the remaining Jeffs’ goals came from different players, as the Jeffs won, 17-12. Senior tri-captains Jackson and Will Ferrer made the most of their final game, scoring three goals each, sharing the leading scorer spot with McDonnell. Jackson finished the season leading the team in goals, with 40 on the season. Also playing their final games were seniors Chris Mottau, Brett Larson and John Armideo. Junior goaltender Matt Pietroforte was essential to the Jeffs’ success. Pietroforte had 23 saves in the game, 14 in the second half, saving the game—and nearly the season—for the Jeffs, who were outshot 26-18 in the second half.
Despite their strong showing at the game, the Jeffs’ playoff future was not in their control. In order to secure the seventh and final playoff spot, the Jeffs not only needed to defeat Colby, but they also needed Bates and Williams Colleges to lose. And for a time, it appeared that the Jeffs would get their chance to shine in the playoffs. Bates fell to Wesleyan University, 10-14, and with 16 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Williams trailed Bowdoin by one. The Ephs, however, proceeded to tie the game and win by one in overtime to clinch the sixth seed in the NESCAC Tournament. With a 3-6 record, the Jeffs tied for seventh with Trinity College but did not get the final playoff spot due to a direct loss to the Bantams earlier in the season.
“It was a very difficult, slightly confusing, feeling entering the game on Saturday knowing that this team, certainly with all the ability to win a NESCAC title, was likely facing its final game,” said Ferrer. “Although we won the game decisively, it remains very disappointing to not still be playing alongside these guys, at least for one more week.”
The Jeffs had a volatile season, with its share of victories and close defeats. However, the team has plenty to be proud of, such as their defeat of archrival Williams. As for next year, the graduating class has high hopes for the Jeffs’ future.
“Leadership will not be hard to come by with the number of guys in next year’s senior class,” commented Jackson. “[Tri-captain Chris Fitzpatrick ’09] did a great job this year and will build on that next year. The defense has two other great leaders in Clint Marchese and Matt Pietroforte.
“At the midfield, Tim Thornton and Nick Gilligan will do great things leading between the lines. At attack, Brett Miller and Tommy McDonnell will continue the offensive onslaught that they put on during the end of this season. Next year’s season,” Jackson concluded, “will be another exciting one with a lot of close games.”