Field hockey tops Tufts in close match

“Our defense played great and was extremely composed throughout the game,” said co-captain Christine Ryan ’04. “That kind of composure usually doesn’t come until later in a season, so I think we are pleased with that.”

The Jumbos’ attack was relentless throughout the game, totaling 24 shots on goal in comparison to the Jeffs’ two shots. Junior goalkeeper K.C. Cosentino defended the net admirably behind a strong defense and earned her second career shutout for the Jeffs.

“The difference in the number of shots is something about the game of field hockey. The statistics can be misleading, and I think it is a credit to our defense who played really strong and especially to K.C. for being tough in the net,” said Head Coach Carol Knerr. “We kept at it throughout the whole game, held them off, and on offense we figured out a way to get it done.”

The game’s lone goal came late in the second half when Lauren Sozio ’04 netted the game-winner off of a pass from Rachel Carr-Harris ’07 amidst a scramble in the front of the net. Sozio hustled the entire game, moving the ball up the field and creating opportunities; thus, it was fitting that she score the sole goal in the game.

The Tufts field had long grass, making the adjustment to away turf more difficult for Amherst. Both the Jeffs and the Jumbos were struggling to find the back of the net and it was Amherst’s composure on offense, as well as on defense, that allowed them to capitalize on one of only a few chances.

Coach Knerr had much praise for her defense. “The backs and fullbacks played well; they had a stellar game,” she said. The barrage of shots on Cosentino included a couple of close calls. One such play was a breakaway that ended with a shot that missed the net. The rest of the defense, especially co-captains defender Molly Jacobs ’04 and classmate Ryan, came up with big plays that kept the Jumbos from knocking one in.

Ryan noted that “Tufts definitely played a good game, and they tested our defense a lot. Amy Watson [’07] played terrific defense and really helped us hold off Tufts’ offense.”

The Jeffs have a perfect record so far, but they are certainly looking forward to working on elements of their game. “Every time we play a game, we realize some new things we need to work on,” Knerr said. “We want to continue to move forward and keep working to improve.”

The Jeffs are looking forward to their game against Smith this Thursday. Last year’s game ended in a 2-0 victory for Amherst and the Jeffs are looking for another chance to build momentum and add to their perfect record.

“The upcoming game against Smith will be a good game for us to come together as a team before Bates College on Saturday,” said Ryan. Bates is a competitive member of the NESCAC, and the Jeffs dropped a 2-0 decision to them last year.