The arrival of the Class of 2017 can only mean that fall has arrived, and, as surely as the foliage will soon change colors, the Jeffs will soon return to doing what they do best: dominating the NESCAC. 2012-13 was another banner year for Amherst athletics, complete with the championship finishes (including a national title for the Men’s Basketball team) that have come to be commonplace in recent years. Still, if it’s possible to top last year’s success, we have every reason to believe that this year’s outfits — led, of course, by the Class of 2014 — will find a way.
After 121 years on the old Pratt Field, the Amherst football team enters its 122nd season with a remodeled home venue and championship aspirations. Thirteen starters return along with a number of other key contributors to anchor a squad that went 6-2 last season.
After a 2012 campaign that ended in heartbreaking fashion following a loss in the NCAA Elite 8, men’s soccer looks to continue their success and NESCAC dominance in 2013.
Although few were fully satisfied with the Firedogs’ 14-9 finish in 2012, particularly after an impressive string of 20-win seasons under illustrious coach Sue Everden, there were plenty of bright spots last fall for the Lady Jeffs.
For starters, seniors such as Emily Waterhouse ’13 and Kristin Keeno ’13 ended their individual careers on a strong note; Keeno led the team in digs, while Waterhouse’s total of 188 kills was second on the squad.
A 20-win season such as Coach Jen Hughes produced in 2011 is certainly hard to top, but the Lady Jeffs put together almost as strong an effort in 2012, finishing 13-2-2 and making the NCAA tournament.
What was the Lady Jeffs’ formula for success? To be sure, the team had its share of starpower. Forward Amanda Brisco ’14, for example, tied for the NESCAC lead with 22 total points and posted top-five marks with eight goals and six assists.
Women
WOMEN
Coming off a 3rd place NESCAC result and a 16th place finish at the NCAA national championships in 2012, the Jeffs might be facing an uphill climb if they want to replicate last year’s success and catch Williams at the Little Three Championships.
Spearheading the roster is Lizzy Briskin ’15, who earned Second-Team NESCAC honors last season. After not cracking the starting lineup her freshman year, Briskin enjoyed a phenomenal sophomore campaign, posting a 14th place finish at NESCACs and running the team’s second-fastest time in seven of eight races.
