In a game that saw Amherst (11-5-0) outshoot Middlebury (10-6-0) 16-5, the Jeffs found themselves unable to capitalize, falling 1-0 in a heartbreaking loss in the NESCAC Quarterfinals. The fifth-seeded Panthers found the back of the net in the first half on a Katherine Hobbs goal that would be just enough to lift them over the fourth seeded Jeffs.

Amherst now awaits news of a possible NCAA at-large bid in hopes of having a chance to pursue the national title. With the win, Middlebury advances to the semifinals where they will face off against top-ranked Williams.

Amherst controlled play for most of the game. In the first 45 minutes of play, the Jeffs delivered seven shots on goal to Middlebury’s three. The Panthers scored in the 39th minute of action, when Claire Nishioka found Hobbs off of their first and only corner kick of the match. Hobbs tallied her first collegiate goal to give Middlebury a 1-0 lead, a margin that would prove enough to hold off the Jeffs.

In the second half, Amherst continued to apply pressure and dominate the field. Though Amherst recorded nine shots while Middlebury only registered two in the second half, the Jeffs were unable to connect with eight of the nine shots being off target. Middlebury goalkeeper, Emily Eslinger contributed one save.

Amherst’s Megan Kim ‘16 and Hannah Guzzi ’18 delivered three shots apiece, while Meredith Manley ’18 chipped in one shot. Seniors Mel Stier and Emma Rothkopf were tremendous for the Jeffs, showcasing their impressive abilities in what may be their last collegiate contest. Amherst goalkeeper Holly Burwick ’16 tallied two saves, one in each period.

Players and fans alike hold their breath in hopes that they will have the opportunity to see Amherst women’s soccer play at least one more time this season.

Regardless, it’s safe to say that seniors Alex Hart, Mel Stier, Caroline Broder, Meghan Mills, Ariana Twomey, Emma Rothkopf and Maya Jackson-Gibson have left their mark on Amherst women’s soccer, compiling a cumulative record of 54-12-5 over the course of their four years.

“While our game this past weekend didn’t go our way, our team definitely played a game to be proud of,” Emily Hester ’17 said. “We fought hard and had a few opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net. Unfortunately Middlebury scored first, and we were unable to come back, but sometimes that’s soccer. Though we don’t yet know whether or not we will be getting a bid into the NCAA tournament, I know that if we do our team will treat it as if we’re playing a whole new season. I’m really excited to see the product that we could potentially put on the field.”