On Monday, the Amherst women’s soccer team learned that it had earned its third consecutive NCAA tournament bid.

The Jeffs, who had been on the bubble after a first-round defeat in the NESCAC tournament, will face Springfield in the first round this Saturday.

The Pride, who are 13-4-4, won the NEWMAC conference tournament to qualify for their fourth straight NCAA tournament.
“Springfield is a team we know well,” said Head Coach Jen Hughes.

“They are a tough team and our 4-0 win earlier this season did not reflect the game. They are athletic and physical and we have to be ready to battle right from the start.”

If Amherst manages to replicate their regular season triumph, it will face either Messiah or Lasell on Sunday.

Messiah (18-2-1), who will host all three games in Amherst’s portion of the bracket this weekend, knocked the Jeffs out in the quarterfinals of the 2011 tournament.

The Falcons are looking to win their third consecutive and sixth overall Division III title.

Lasell (17-3-1), meanwhile, bounced Amherst from the first round of the tournament last year.

Despite the potential for revenge in the second round, the Jeffs are concentrating on Saturday’s game.

“Our exclusive focus is on Springfield,” Hughes said.

“We’ve been given another chance, and I’m confident we’ll make the best of it.”

The Jeffs depart for Grantham, Penn. early Friday morning for Saturday’s game against Springfield.