Saturday’s eventful match began with a disheartening Polar Bear goal during the 24th minute of the game. However, despite the early setback, the Jeffs were not dissuaded.
During the second half, first-year Amanda Brisco scored the first goal of her Amherst soccer career, tying the game in the process. Then, to seal the deal, sophomore Claire Galiette also scored her first collegiate goal with only 15 minutes of play remaining. While goal-scoring and defense are both collective efforts on the part of the entire team, junior goalkeeper Allie Horwitz deterred 12 attempts on goal made by the Polar Bears.
The Lord Jeffs remained up north to take on Bates College the next day. This second game did not yield the same results as the first, but the team stood their ground in a 0-0 tie. Ninety minutes of standard play and an additional 20 of overtime gave the Jeffs ample scoring opportunities, but both teams struggled to put the ball in the net.
Brisco had a chance to score her second collegiate goal in spectacular fashion, but her ball sailed over the crossbar. In total, the Bobcats out-shot Amherst 20-18, while Horwitz made six saves for the Lord Jeffs before sustaining an injury from a previous save and leaving the field. Substitute goalie Claire Bennett filled in for her.
The tie against Bates marked the end of five-game win streak against the Bobcats. However, with a winning season still in their sights, and a couple of tough games on the horizon, the Jeffs realize they’re in this for the long haul.