While most of their classmates were completing their college experience at graduation back in Amherst, the UMass women’s lacrosse team’s seniors did their part to make sure their season and careers lasted a little longer.
Erica Eipp, who is one of seven seniors, led the top-seeded Minutewomen with three goals and three assists in a 13-8 win over No. 4 Saint Joseph’s in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament in Pittsburgh.
“St. Joe’s really gave us a tough game,” UMass coach Angela McMahon said. “We’ve probably played some better games over the course of the season. We had some mental errors and unforced errors. Whether it was nerves or I’m not sure what, we can probably take better care of the ball. I thought be played OK. Our defense really stepped up for us.”
Hannah Murphy had three goals and two assists and controlled eight draws for UMass (17-1).
UMass will face No. 6 Richmond at noon Sunday in the championship game. The winner earns the Atlantic 10’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Minutewomen beat the Spiders, 18-10, in Virginia on April 22.
“It’s exciting,” McMahon said. “It’s such a great rivalry. I have a lot of respect for their coaching staff. They some really great players. I have no doubt they’re going to give us a battle on Sunday.”
It’s possible 16th-ranked UMass could get a bid to the NCAA Tournament even if it loses Sunday, but McMahon didn’t want to leave anything to chance.
“I feel really confident that we’re going to come out ready to play on Sunday,” she said. “You want to control your own destiny. We’re playing to win and putting our season on the line.”
Amherst College 5, Tufts 4 — Amherst’s depth provided the difference as it won at No. 3, 4 and 5 singles, and No. 2 and 3 doubles to advance in the NESCAC Tournament at Bates College.
Amherst, the No. 3 seed, will face No. 2 Middlebury, Saturday at 11:30 a.m.