In the Saturday match up at Orr Rink, the Lord Jeffs got on the scoreboard early when junior Kate Dennett wrested a shot past the Trinity goalie less than five minutes into the first period with her first goal of the season. Amherst added to the lead in the second period when last year’s leading scorer, sophomore Courtney Hanlon, beat Trinity’s net minder with a one-time slap shot. The Jeffs’ final tally came in the third period when Hanlon put another goal, her second of the game as well as the season, into the back of the net. Amherst’s junior net minder Krystyn Elek made 25 saves for her first shut out of the season.
The only apparent difference in the second of two weekend match-ups was the location, as the host Bantams once again found themselves in an early hole. Just five minutes into the opening period, Trinity was called for two tripping penalties in quick succession. The Jeffs capitalized on the two-man advantage as junior Molly Malloy scored 67 seconds into the power play off of a feed from sophomore Randi Zukas. Amherst added to the lead before the end of the first period as Dennett pushed in her second goal of the weekend off a rebound.
In the second period, first-year Emily Vitale scored her third collegiate goal to give the Jeffs a comfortable lead. The Bantams got on the board for the first and only time of the weekend in the second period, but Elek made 13 saves in the final period to preserve the Amherst lead.
Elek’s 52 total saves along with her lone goal earned her the nod as NESCAC Player of the Week.
In addition to Elek’s strong performance, Hanlon credited the Jeffs’ quick starts as the key reason why they were able to convincingly handle the tenth-ranked Bantams twice in one weekend.
“To be able to get on the scoreboard in the first period is huge for us, and it sends a clear message to our opponents that we are prepared to compete for all 60 minutes of the game,” said Hanlon.
Speaking about his team’s quick starts, Head Coach Jim Plumer added, “It allows us to dictate the tempo of the game and I think that helps with our confidence.”
With the 4-0 start, Amherst has moved its unbeaten streak against NESCAC opponents to 36 games. Plumer acknowledged the streak but downplayed its significance. “I think we’re happy but not too carried away with streaks and such. If we had to choose, it would be better to end the season on a winning streak, so while these games have been important and certainly good for our confidence, we are still trying to learn and improve every week,” he said.
With a big weekend ahead of them that includes games at archrival Williams as well as at first-ranked Middlebury, all eyes are pointed straight ahead. “Next weekend is huge for us. Williams is never to be taken lightly with a Little Three Championship on the line, and we are incredibly pumped to fight for a NESCAC Final Four hosting opportunity against Middlebury,” said Hanlon.