In a challenging season-opening tournament this past weekend, the Firedogs made a strong showing, going 2-1 in the Wellesley College this weekend.
Senior tri-captain Bethany Belisle had high praise for her team’s performance in an admittedly tough beginning to the season.
“This past weekend really showed how quickly we can adapt as a team,” said Belisle. “These were definitely the three hardest season openers I’ve had in my time here, and we really came to play.”
The Firedogs’ season kicked off with a marathon match against the Johns Hopkins University Blue Jays on Friday. The Blue Jays struck first and took the opening set, 25-23, but the Firedogs blazed back in the second set to cruise to a 25-8 win. The two teams traded sets until Amherst outlasted the Jays, fighting off five match points before taking the final set, 20-18, and the match, 3-2.
Amherst faced another battle Saturday morning in an eventual 3-2 win against Wesleyan University. But the Firedogs ended up splitting the day, falling 3-0 to host Wellesley College to end the weekend.
Although equally pleased with the team, junior tri-captain Jackie Berkley was quick to focus on the team’s continued growth.
“Everyone contributed in the wins this weekend, and that is exciting to see so early on in the season,” commented Berkley. “Not much hit the floor on our defense and the other teams were forced to defend us at every position. Our performance against Wellesley shows that we still have a lot to work on and that will come with more playing time. That being said, I am confident the Firedogs can beat anyone in the region.”
As such, the Firedogs looked to continue improving when they faced non-conference opponent Emerson College on Tuesday.
The Firedogs improved to 3-1 on the season with a 3-0 win over Emerson, but the score proved deceptive, as Amherst battled hard to narrowly win each game, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20. The team play of the Firedogs was on full display, as four players had at least five kills, and no player had more than 11 winners. Outside hitter Christy Meier ’12 led the Firedogs with 11 kills. Setter Katherine Jordan ’11, continuing off her impressive play at the Wellesley Quad, tallied 30 assists. Defensively, libero tri-captain Rachel Yorke ’11 added in a team-high 10 digs.