After running into their first loss this week, the women’s soccer team has endured a tumultuous two games these past seven days. The team went up against strong opposition Springfield College and Connecticut College to no avail.

The 16th-ranked Lord Jeffs took on eighth-ranked Pride in a non-conference match at the Irv Schmid Sports Complex this past Wednesday. The Pride retained possession early in the game, firing a shot that ricocheted off the post just thirty-four seconds into the first half. Relentless, Springfield College eventually succeeded in their pursuit of a goal when, in the 11th minute, the ball made contact with the upper right corner of the net. Two minutes later the Pride made their second goal, giving the hosts a 2-0 advantage.

However, the Lord Jeffs did not let the early goals dampen their own scoring push. Amherst picked up their pace and, with seven minutes remaining in the first half, sophomore Hannah Cooper steered the ball into the goal after a reflected attempt by first-year Elizabeth Ludlow. It was not enough, as the Pride scored an additional goal in the 76th minute of the game, furthering their lead and sealing the score.

Saturday’s home game against Connecticut saw many Amherst attempts, but few successful forays into the goal. Both teams exerted pressure and physicality, and there was even an early yellow card given in the first 10 minutes of play to a Camel forward. The referee also presented a second card in the first half when junior Jill Kochanek pulled down a Camel forward on a breakaway.

But the Lords Jeffs were determined to get their goal. Senior Jackie Hirsch launched a shot from 18 yards soon after the card, but it was quickly diverted by the Camel goalie.

In the second half, the team returned ready and within 45 seconds first-year Elizabeth Ludlow had scored her first collegiate goal on an assist from fellow first-year Amanda Brisco.

The team held this 1-0 advantage until the 63rd minute, when a Camel defender made a goal to even the score. The game ended as a tie despite many attempts in overtime at the goal. This past week brought the Jeffs’ record to 3-1-2 (2-0-2 NESCAC). The team makes their way to the field once again on Wednesday in a home game against the Skidmore College. After that, Saturday marks the much-anticipated game against Williams College.