The Amherst women didn’t just win the NESCAC; they won the NCAA Div. III National Championship as well. While it’s impossible to improve on those results, the team will do its best to match them this season.
Men’s Soccer:
Despite grabbing the No. 1 overall seed in the NESCAC Tournament, the Jeffs were upset by Middlebury, 1-0, in the championship game.
Volleyball:
After blowing through the league and grabbing the No. 1 seed for the NESCAC Tournament, the Jeffs lost to Williams College in the championship game. After making it to the NCAA Tournament, the Jeffs advanced to the quarterfinals before the season finally came to an end.
Men’s Basketball:
After winning the NCAA Championship in 2007, anything worse than first place represented a step back for the Jeffs in 2008. After being upset by Bowdoin College in the semifinals of the NESCAC Tournament, the team rebounded to advance to the national championship game for the second straight year. This time, though, the Jeffs couldn’t pull it off, losing handily to Washington University.
Women’s Basketball:
For the first time in its history, the women’s basketball team claimed the NESCAC title in 2008. The top-seeded Jeffs beat Tufts University in the finals and proceeded to advance to the sectional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.
Women’s Ice Hockey:
For the second straight season, the Jeffs took home the NESCAC title, this time beating Colby College handily, 7-1. The team then advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals, ultimately falling to Elmira College by a 3-2 score.
Women’s Tennis:
The 2008 campaign was a successful one for the Jeffs both as a team and individually. After the team grabbed the NESCAC title, senior Alicia Menezes and sophomore Brittany Berckes won their second straight national doubles title.
Women’s Lacrosse:
Despite losing in the NESCAC semifinals in double overtime to Trinity College, the Jeffs gained an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the national quarterfinals. The team ultimately lost 16-9 to Franklin & Marshall University.
Baseball:
Though the season ultimately ended with a loss to undefeated Trinity College in the NESCAC finals, the 2008 baseball season was undoubtedly a success.