AMHERST, MA. – Field hockey traveled to Massachusetts Saturday morning to face off against the number seven ranked Amherst Mammoths. After a relatively slow 1^st quarter, the Mammoths and Cardinals traded goals to open the second quarter. The tie wouldn't last long with No.7 Amherst putting one through just 20 seconds later to retake the lead. Amherst defense held strong in the 2^nd half, holding the Cardinals to just three shots while adding one of their own to reach the 3-1 final. Amherst improves to 8-2 (5-2 NESCAC), while Wesleyan falls to 3-6 (1-5 NESCAC).

Wesleyan has historically struggled against Amherst in their history, posting a 11-36-1 series record. The Mammoths have taken the last 19 games in this matchup, however the Cardinals have made the last two games very competitive. In 2021, the Cardinals took the Mammoths to double overtime at Smith Field eventually falling to Amherst 3-2. In 2022's version of this NESCAC contest the Cardinals played a competitive first half, taking a 1-1 tie into the final minute of the first half. The Mammoths were able to score a late first half goal and didn't look back to win their 19^th straight over the Cardinals.

Both defenses shined in the first quarter, holding the offenses to a combined two shots (both Amherst) which were turned away by Audrey Pace '26 to keep the score even at zero. For the first five minutes of the second, it looked like it was going to be another defensive quarter before the Mammoths got on the board six minutes in. Jackie D'Alleva was the goal scorer, assisted by Justine Liguori to give the Mammoths a 2^nd quarter lead. Wesleyan responded back seven minutes later with the equalizer just before halftime. Georgia Adams '26 continued her impressive start to 2022, tying the game with just over a minute left until halftime.

Amherst wasn't done scoring for the period however, putting one more in the back of the cage just 20 seconds later to give them a 2-1 halftime advantage. Muffie Mazambani put it through, shifting the momentum back the Mammoths way heading into the break. In the 2^nd half, Wesleyan tried to make a push, but were stopped by the Amherst defense. The Mammoths' Sam Maynard added one more insurance goal in the fourth to put the game away for good. The Cardinals were outshot just 6-3 in the 2^nd half, while Amherst controlled the penalty corners, 7-2.

Audrey Pace went the distance for the Cardinals, making eight saves on 11 shots. Her eight saves is the second highest mark of the season for her. Georgia Adams has been a huge addition to the Cardinals this season, as she scored her team-leading 5^th goal of 2022. Amherst outshot Wesleyan 15-5 (12-4 SOG), while having the advantage in penalty corners as well, 13-4.

Wesleyan will look to bounce back in their next contest tomorrow, October 9^th against the No.14 Bates Bobcats at Smith Field.