In the past week of action, the Jeffs ended their NESCAC run with a loss to Middlebury while extending their post-season by earning an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.

On Saturday, the Jeffs fell to the Panthers 2-1 in overtime in the NESCAC semifinal game at Bowdoin. Amherst kicked things off at the five-minute mark when senior Carly Dudzik took advantage of a penalty stroke, firing a shot past Middlebury goalie Becca Shaw to put the Jeffs on top, 1-0.

The Panthers answered at 24:50 when first-year Catherine Fowler re-directed a loose ball into the net, despite a diving effort by first-year Jeff goalie Rachel Tannenbaum ’15.

Tannenbaum and the rest of the Amherst defense kept the game tied despite Middlebury outshooting Amherst 8-2 in the second half.

According to co-captain Stephanie Clegg ’12, “Tannebaum made some incredible saves, and she remained poised throughout the whole game.”

The teams were tied at one goal apiece at the end of regulation as the game progressed into its first overtime period.

“We failed to play our passing game during OT, and we couldn’t gain momentum,” Clegg said. “Middlebury got a fast-break and a promising scoring opportunity which led to the stroke.” Middlebury’s Lauren Greer was awarded a penalty stroke and registered the Panthers’ game-winning goal.

The following night, the field hockey team gathered to hear whether they would get an at-large bid for the NCAA Div. III Tournament. They eventually got their wish, and will host Gwynedd-Mercy College on Wednesday.

“Getting a bid to the NCAAs is huge for us because we really feel like we deserve to have our season continue,” Dudzik said.
“This team is extremely talented and cohesive,” Clegg added. “We’re all on the same page and have the same goal, and so as long as we bring our contagious positive energy and confidence, we will do great things in this post-season run.”

The Jeffs will face the Griffins in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Wednesday at 5 p.m. on Gooding Field.