Field hockey loses, now faces must-win against Bowdoin

The field hockey team met an inspired Amherst squad on family weekend, where the Lord Jeffs defeated the Cardinals 2-1 in overtime. Amanda Nickels ’08 scored the game’s first goal unassisted only nine minutes into the contest to get the crowd going on the chilly morning to give the Cards an early 1-0 lead.

The game was dominated by Ol’ Wes, but some great scoring opportunities were not capitalized upon, leaving the door open for Amherst’s Molly Malloy ’10 to tie the game in the second half and send it into overtime. The Lord Jeffs rode their momentum in the extra frame and scored the winning goal on a rebound on net in the ninth minute of overtime.

“I think we were all pretty disappointed that the game went into overtime,” said co-captain Molly Adams ’07. “However, we were still excited and were ready to take the win from them. We had some really great shots on goal; unfortunately they had one that went in.”

On the day, the Cardinals out-shot Amherst 10-7, including three shots on the Amherst goal in overtime, but could not convert when it mattered most. Goalie Caitlin Kelly ’07 turned away five shots in goal for the Cards, but could not turn away the Lord Jeffs ‘only shot in the extra session.

With the homecoming loss, Wesleyan’s NESCAC record stands at 3-5 (6-7 overall), good for sixth in the NESCAC standings. They stand one win ahead of Amherst and Conn. College with each team having two games left. Because the top seven teams in the NESCAC move on to the tournament (not the top four as previously reported), a win this Saturday against league leading Bowdoin College, who are already guaranteed a spot in the NESCAC Tournament, will guarantee the Cardinals a spot in the tournament. If the Cardinals fall to Bowdoin, they must get some help around the league to stay in the top seven.

“This season has been so emotional,” Adams said. “I feel like if we get the opportunity to play in the tournament we will really make the most of it.”

The showdown with Bowdoin will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 11 a.m. on the turf field.