WILLIAMSTOWN – The Amherst College women’s soccer team defeated Middlebury 2-0 at Cole Field at Williams Saturday, to move on to the NESCAC Tournament championship.
Hannah Guzzi and Rubii Tamen led the way for Amherst with a goal apiece in the second half of the victory.
“It took a little bit for us to get going offensively, but once we did I think we got a little bit of confidence and we put it away,” Amherst coach Jen Hughes said.
Middlebury (13-4) was the only team in the NESCAC to defeat Amherst, which has won 11 straight since that September loss.
Hughes was pleased to see her team avenge its only NESCAC loss.
“They’re a very talented team. To be able to beat them is a great thing and it felt really good,” she said.
Middlebury ended Amherst’s run in the NESCAC tournament last year. Amherst (14-2-1) will play Trinity (11-3-3) at noon on Sunday, back at Cole Field. Trinity knocked off defending national champion Williams on penalty kicks.
“This is a really special moment for us,” Tamen said.
Amherst defender/midfielder Caleigh Plaut was carried off the field in the first half of the game. Hughes was unsure of the extent of her injury, though Plaut could be seen on the sideline with her leg heavily wrapped.
“We’re going to evaluate her tonight and see what position she’s in and then we’ll make a call tomorrow,” Hughes said.
Amherst defeated Trinity 3-2 in double-overtime on Oct. 25.
“It’s going to come down to who wants it more. Passion versus passion,” Tamen said.