Last spring, the softball team ended their season with a tough loss to Williams on the last day of the season. Amherst needed to gain two victories against the Ephs during that last weekend. Unfortunately Williams took control of both games with 5-3 and 8-4 wins, shutting the Jeffs out of the NESCAC championship for the second season in a row. Despite the upsetting loss, Amherst ended the season with an impressive 19-8 record. This record is the best finish the team has had since 2000.

The Jeffs ended last season with a team batting average of .323, 171 runs scored, a fielding percentage of .944, an opponents’ batting average of .255 and an earned run average of 2.94. These stats helped position Amherst among the 2010 NESCAC leaders in numerous statistical categories. With the addition of four new freshmen and the implementation of rigorous training schedules, the Jeffs are determined to end the nine-year streak of no playoff wins.

The team is definitely looking forward to avenge themselves this upcoming season. Senior tri-captain Emily Neill said, “We have high hopes for the team this year: the past two season, we have missed playoffs by one game, so we’re definitely looking to get past that barrier and win some games in the NESCAC tournament this year.”

With the overall strength and skill of the players, as well as the chemistry of the team, the 2010 season appears to be a promising one. The Jeffs will be travelling to Fort Myers, Fl. for their spring break trip and look forward to their first home game of the season against Springfield on March 23.