Amherst 1 Colby 0
After the previous day's loss to the Bobcats, it was with a sense of trepidation that I switched things on to find out how things were going at the Billiard Table That Is Hitchcock Field. There's no denying the sense of relief at seeing the Mammoths up 1-0 and I suspect the early goal from the prolific AA Junior would have calmed some nerves. I got to watch a fair bit of the second half and saw the game swing from Colby to Amherst and then back to the Mules towards the end. I observed one fierce Colby shot blocked quite late, but a desperate Amherst block ensured that the game's outcome wasn't impacted.
The result meant that the Mammoths are equal second on eight points at the half way mark in NESCAC. The draw against Williams is looking a pretty good result given their subsequent form and with current equal second Wesleyan and Tufts next on Amherst's conference dance card, it appears that the first half of October will be a revealing time. Right now, I would suggest Amherst has probably over-achieved on expectations given the youthful roster. I observed that of the nineteen players who saw game time today, that twelve of them were underclassmen, which for the programme's future, is outstanding, but which does make it a little challenging in the immediate one. In 2024 a much more battle hardened Purple shirted group managed 1-0 results against Bates and Colby and for those who came in late, eventually won the National Title, so perhaps this weekend's effort by a less experienced one is better than it looks.
Irrespective, whoever takes the field is expected to give maximum effort and I saw enough of that today to encourage me for what lies ahead.
Foul Count: Amherst 14 Colby 12
After the previous day's loss to the Bobcats, it was with a sense of trepidation that I switched things on to find out how things were going at the Billiard Table That Is Hitchcock Field. There's no denying the sense of relief at seeing the Mammoths up 1-0 and I suspect the early goal from the prolific AA Junior would have calmed some nerves. I got to watch a fair bit of the second half and saw the game swing from Colby to Amherst and then back to the Mules towards the end. I observed one fierce Colby shot blocked quite late, but a desperate Amherst block ensured that the game's outcome wasn't impacted.
The result meant that the Mammoths are equal second on eight points at the half way mark in NESCAC. The draw against Williams is looking a pretty good result given their subsequent form and with current equal second Wesleyan and Tufts next on Amherst's conference dance card, it appears that the first half of October will be a revealing time. Right now, I would suggest Amherst has probably over-achieved on expectations given the youthful roster. I observed that of the nineteen players who saw game time today, that twelve of them were underclassmen, which for the programme's future, is outstanding, but which does make it a little challenging in the immediate one. In 2024 a much more battle hardened Purple shirted group managed 1-0 results against Bates and Colby and for those who came in late, eventually won the National Title, so perhaps this weekend's effort by a less experienced one is better than it looks.
Irrespective, whoever takes the field is expected to give maximum effort and I saw enough of that today to encourage me for what lies ahead.
Foul Count: Amherst 14 Colby 12