MEDFORD, MA - Senior forward Robin Ackerman (Princeton, NJ) connected on the game's lone goal late in the first half to lead the 10th ranked Amherst College field hockey team to a 1-0 NESCAC victory over host Tufts University on Wednesday. With the win, Amherst (10-3/5-3 NESCAC) clinched a spot in the seven-team NESCAC Championship Tournament, which kicks off this Sunday at Bowdoin College. 

Junior forward Abby Ouimet (Hatfield, MA) - the Jeffs' leading scorer with 10 goals and two assists on the season - fed Ackerman with a nifty crossing pass with just over three minutes left before halftime to cement the win. Amherst held the upper hand at the break - due in large part to senior goalie Beth Sensing's (Hockessin, DE) six first-half saves - despite being outshot by the Jumbos 11-3 in the first half. The Jeffs also had a defensive save by junior Carlyn Lamia (Chevy Chase, MD), helping them to their seventh shutout win of the year. 

Amherst controlled play more in the second half, earning an 11-1 advantage in penalty corners, while the defense stopped nearly every Tufts' drive downfield, as the Jumbos (3-9/1-7 NESCAC) managed a mere two shots after the break. 

Amherst returns to action this Saturday at 11 a.m. against visiting Little Three rival Wesleyan University - a game that could have a significant bearing on Amherst's seeding in the upcoming NESCAC Tournament. The Jeffs are currently locked in a three-way tie for third place in the NESCAC with Colby and Williams Colleges - all with matching 5-3 conference records - with Wesleyan close behind at 4-4. The top seven teams in regular season conference play qualify for the conference postseason tournament.

SCORING:
A - Robin Ackerman (Abby Ouimet) 3:02 - 1st 

SAVES: 
A - Beth Sensing (70:00, 0 GA, 6 saves) 
T - Julie Jackson (35:00, 1 GA, 4 saves) Fara White (35:00, 0 GA, 1save) 

PENALTY CORNERS: 
A - 19; T - 6