The Amherst women’s basketball team has continued its win streak through interterm and the start of second semester, tackling some tough non-conference teams as well as six NESCAC opponents. Now with a 20-0 overall record, the women hope to maintain the streak for the duration of the regular season and into an inevitable postseason run.
The purple and white have had little to no trouble putting away games this season. In the last few weeks they have handily beaten teams by 30 and 40 points, demonstrating strength on both the defensive and offensive ends of the court.
Amherst’s closest encounter came from Connecticut College, who matched up against the purple and white in a battle at the Camels’ home court on Saturday, Jan. 16. Amherst was able to obtain a steady and early lead, and by halftime the Jeffs were boasting a 44-26 lead. The third quarter was more tumultuous, as Conn. College outscored Amherst 19-12. Sophomore Hannah Hackley was crucial in solidifying the win, however, netting a career-high 27 points. Marley Giddins ’16 also put up an impressive 20 points and junior Meredith Doswell dominated the boards, pulling nine rebounds into the hands of the purple and white.
A notably impressive win came in the form of a 30-point domination against NESCAC rival Bowdoin. Ali Doswell ’17 led all players with 19 points and the team as a whole demonstrated a phenomenal shooting day, shooting 51 percent from the field. Combined contributions from a wide range of Amherst stars extended the scoring gap to 78-48 by the time the final whistle rang.
In their most recent matchup against Trinity, the girls cinched their 120th straight win in LeFrak gymnasium. Hackley again led Amherst’s stats with 14 points and 10 rebounds in the win; collectively Amherst was firing from all cylinders. The purple and white forced 19 Trinity turnovers and exhibited a strong third quarter to put the Bantams to rest.
Amherst’s next competition will take place this Friday in LeFrak gymnasium against Bates. With only four games left in the regular season, Amherst hopes to keep up their momentum heading into the NESCAC tournament and keep their undefeated record intact.
