The Jeffs faced their first 2009 test on Saturday when they hosted the Tufts University Jumbos. Unlike some other teams, the lacrosse women’s earliest game against a NESCAC rival counted towards their conference standings. Unfortunately, the Jeffs move to 0-1 in the NESCAC and on the season.
The loss came as a bit of a surprise for the 10th-ranked Amherst team, which has not lost a season opener in 10 years. The Lord Jeffs had the early lead after a goal from sophomore Kelley Trapp and two from senior quad-captain Mary Noonan. The Jumbos then scored six unanswered goals and entered halftime with an 8-3 advantage over their hosts.
In the second half, the Jeffs were bolstered by senior quad-captain and reigning All-American Amy Craig. In her first three shots in the second half, she scored three goals. She added three more later in the period, single-handedly outscoring the Jeffs 6-3 in the period. But her spectacular performance was not enough as final score was an 11-9 win for the Jumbos.
Though the Jeffs relied on just three players to score their nine points, several more contributed with assists: sophomore Kelley Trapp had three while senior quad-captain Caki Guinee, first-years Allie Horwitz and Meredith LaRose, sophomore Robyn Lightner and Noonan each added one.
Of course, there is plenty of time to make up for the loss. Though the conference is now split in two — half the teams have a 1-0 record and half have an 0-1 record—there are many more conference games to be played. The Jeffs will next face Springfield College on Thursday before playing three games, including two conference match-ups, during Spring Recess.