Field hockey splits with Smith and Bates

Smith came to Amherst on Wednesday with high hopes, but the Jeffs rebounded after a tough 1-0 loss to Tufts University, showing they should not be taken lightly. Amherst completely controlled the pace of the game, retaining the ball in their offensive half for roughly three-quarters of the first half. Christine Ryan ’04 broke into the scoring column early in the game taking a pass from senior Katherine Ryan.

Amherst continued to fire shot after shot, forcing the Smith goalie to make countless saves. Taking advantage of a set play, Erin Leydon ’05 stuck the second goal off a rebound with 14 minutes left in the first half.

After nine first half shots, the Jeffs only managed two second half shots. However, the defensive unit of Carlyn Lamia ’03, Molly O’Connor ’03, Molly Jacobs ’04, Lauren Anderson ’05 and goalie K.C. Cosentino ’05, who made all three of her saves in the last four minutes of the game, held together to maintain the shutout. Unfortunately, Amherst lost senior forward Abby Ouimet indefinitely after an injury in the middle of the second half.

On Saturday, Amherst hosted a surprisingly tough Bates team and were defeated by their guests by a score of 2-0. Amherst found itself on its heels early, fighting to get the ball out of their defensive half. Numerous penalty corners also hurt the Jeffs, but the defense maintained control and the offense fought hard to work the ball into the offensive zone.

It seemed as if both teams were going to go into the half scoreless, but Bates forward Johie Farrar slipped a shot past freshman goalie Anne McMullin with three seconds left.

Amherst came out determined in the second half. “I think we showed some of our true spirit in the second half,” Lamia said. “We dictated the play for those 35 minutes.” A number of scoring opportunities early in the second half gave Amherst some much-needed enthusiasm. Even though Amherst missed a penalty stroke two minutes into the second half, the team continued to fight.

Midway through the second half, Lamia took a shot that missed the net by inches. Later in the half, freshman midfielder Katherine Skrivan neatly crossed the ball from the right corner, but the opportunity was squandered.

The lone goal of the second half would be made by the Bobcats. Twelve minutes into the final half of play, junior forward Lori Jessup found a way around McMullen off an assist from teammate Katherine Tiffany to tack on some needed insurance.

Even though the field hockey team is unfamiliar with defeat, Lamia is not too worried. “We have a lot of skill on our team,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll ignite a spark in the circle for our future games and our shots will find the net.” Amherst will have to do it on the road as they take on non-league competitor Springfield College on Wednesday before they travel to play NESCAC rival Bowdoin College on Saturday.