On a crisp fall Homecoming Saturday, the field hockey team hosted Amherst in hopes of extending its winning streak to seven. Despite playing against one of the top goalies in the NESCAC, the Red and Black offense remained potent, as Wesleyan triumphed 4-2.
After starting slowly in its previous two matches, the Cardinals were resolved to get out ahead early. Both the midfield and defense played aggressively, attacking loose balls, diffusing the Amherst attack, and drawing first blood. In the eighth minute, Courtney Tetrault ’07 blocked an Amherst pass, and spun past several defenders, leaving them in a tangle of confusion. Tetrault then ripped a nice pass to captain Jenn Wasserman ’05 on the wing. As the Lady Jeffs adjusted their defense to the imminent threat, they left a hole in the center of the field. With almost psychic precision, Wasserman passed the ball into the empty hole of the Amherst defense where Louisa Mook ’05 was waiting. Wasting no time, Mook ripped a shot deep into the back of the net.
“Jenn had a great game,” Mook said. “At one point, she dribbled by five opponents. Our ball girls contributed to the victory [as well]. They are so much better than the ball girls on other teams in the NESCAC.”
Wesleyan continued to dominate the first half, easily out-shooting the Lady Jeffs, but the Cards did not score again until Liz Dee ’06 got the ball to Molly Adams ’07. Amherst, already tired from trying to adjust to the Cards swarming offensive, was caught off guard by Dee, who unleashed a quick pass to Adams who was open in front of the goal. Adams deftly outmaneuvered the last Amherst defender and scored a great shot into the corner of the goal. The Cardinals defense held strong giving the ladies a 2-0 lead headed into the half.
The second half opened much like how the first half ended, with the Red and Black dictating play. In a maneuver that was eerily similar to the opening goal, Tetrault again intercepted an Amherst pass and quickly led the Wesleyan charge past the first purple line of defense. Finding Mook covered on the left wing, Tetrault looked to her right and saw a wide open Wasserman. Tetrault quickly passed off to her captain and the Lord Jeffs took their eyes of Mook for a split second. Mook cut in front of the goal, and swiping the ball delivered from Wasserman in a single swing, put the ball into the corner of the goal. Even with Wesleyan up 3-0, Amherst did not go away easily, scoring back-to-back goals, cutting the Cardinal lead to a single point.
As it has done all season, the Red and Black formed an impenetrable wall of defense, determined to hold onto to its lead. As the Cardinals diffused attack after attack, the offense was given a chance to put Amherst away, and it capitalized. Coming up big for the second time, Adams found Mook open on the right wing. Mook made a beautiful shot to record her second goal of the day and finish off Amherst, 4-2.
“It was a great team win and our third victory over Amherst in three years,” Wasserman said. “Liz Dee has been playing especially well. Louisa Mook also played well and scored two goals.”
With her goal and assist, Wasserman high on the list of leading NESCAC point-scorer along with Mook. Despite the growing confidence of the players, they all realize that their biggest test will come against Tufts on Wednesday. Tufts recently beat Williams and have always been a tough opponent for the Cardinals. A win would guarantee the Cardinals at least one home game in playoffs. With such high stakes, look for a reinvigorated field hockey team to win its eighth straight.
Leave a Reply