sportsbriefs

Author: Jeb Burchenal

Men's golf finishes one shot out of second, takes third

The men's golf team took to the course again this past weekend at the Hamilton Invitational. After securing a spot in the NESCAC tournament last weekend, the team looked to continue its excellent scoring.

The team as a whole placed third posting a combined 603, one behind SUNY Delhi, and 20 strokes behind first-place Skidmore. Mike McCormick '09 led the way for the Panthers recording a 148 that placed him fourth in individual scoring.

Brian Cady '11 was not far off with 150 for the weekend that earned him a spot in the sixth-place tie for individual scores. George Baumann '08 shot a 152, Harrison Bane '08.5 shot a 153, and Jeff Patterson '08.5 shot a 161 to round out the team this weekend. The team has the next weekend off to prepare for the NEIGA Championships in Brewster, Mass. over Fall Break.



Women's soccer goes all 110 minutes with Amherst

This week the women's soccer team traveled to Amherst for a rematch of last year's NESCAC championship. True to last year's game, the Panthers and the Lord Jeffs played a scoreless first half.

Amherst rifled off eight shots in the first half, with Middlebury keeper Adele Plunkett '09 saving all six that made it on frame. Both teams were anxious to break the tie in the second but again solid keeper play from Plunkett and Amherst's Lili Ferguson, coupled with staunch defense on both sides kept the score knotted at zeros after full time.

The first overtime Middlebury saw the best scoring chance as Jenny Galgano '10 burned her mark en route to a breakaway, only to have her shot tipped over the crossbar by the Amherst goalie. As time was about to expire, Middlebury received a free kick that snuck through the wall, only to be turned aside by Ferguson. Margaret Owen '10 was active offensively for the Panthers with three shots on goal, while Amherst standout Meg Murphy tallied six shots to lead the Lord Jeffs.

Caitlin Parker '08 stressed the importance of this weekend's game, saying, "we really need the support of the fans this weekend. Williams is undefeated and we really need a big win."

"The season depends on these next two games," added Paola Cabonargi '10, "Williams scored 11 goals in their two games last weekend, so they are rolling high, but we are ready to knock them down."

The Panthers post a 5-2-2 record this season and look to add to win column on Oct. 13 as they play host to Williams.



Amherst gets the best of men's soccer yet again

The men's soccer team also made the trip down to Massachusetts to play Amherst. This was the match up of the last two undefeated teams in the NESCAC and had serious postseason implications.

The Lord Jeffs jumped out to an early lead in the 11th minute on short corner that lead to a crisp through ball and tap in by defender Grayson Holland.

Middlebury showed the heart and skill that had turned into an undefeated first seven games through the match, but were unable to get on the board until they were already down by three.

Middlebury's offense out-shot Amherst 11 to 10, lead by Casey Ftorek '09 and Brandon Jackson '08, but were not able to find the back of net until Nolan Lincoln tallied in the 86th minute. Taylor Downs who converted both of his shots into goals anchored Amherst's offense. The Panthers look to rebound this week as they host Bowdoin and then have their swagger back by the time Williams rolls into town on Oct. 13.