Abban's first goal of the season lifted the Mammoths to a 2–1 win over Bowdoin College in a NESCAC Quarterfinal matchup at Orr Rink on Saturday, sealing a hard-fought postseason battle with a decisive power-play finish.

The victory improved Amherst to 17-2-6 on the season and advanced the Mammoths to face third-seeded Williams College in next Saturday's conference semifinal at Middlebury. Puck drop is set for 4:30 p.m.

From the opening faceoff, Amherst dictated tempo. Maeve Reynolds generated three shots in the first minute, immediately testing Bowdoin goaltender Sarah Peterson. The Mammoths controlled possession through much of the first period, cycling effectively and winning draws, but Peterson's composure kept the game scoreless through twenty minutes.

Special teams shaped the flow early. Amherst killed off two Bowdoin power plays in the opening frame, with senior goaltender Natalie Stott turning aside key attempts and the penalty-kill unit blocking shooting lanes with discipline. Late in the period, Amherst earned a power play of its own and generated multiple chances, but could not convert.

The breakthrough came midway through the second period.

At 8:55, Sami Lester opened the scoring with her third goal of the season. Ayla Abban and Gretchen Dann combined on the setup, and Lester finished cleanly to give Amherst a 1–0 lead. The goal rewarded a sustained stretch of offensive pressure that had been building throughout the middle frame.

Bowdoin answered in the third.

With Amherst shorthanded, Meghan Britt capitalized on a power play at 10:27 to tie the game at 1–1. The equalizer shifted momentum briefly, setting up a tense final stretch. Amherst responded with urgency, generating consistent offensive-zone time over the final nine minutes, but Peterson continued to deny clean looks and force overtime.

The extra period began with immediate drama. Just forty seconds in, Bowdoin was whistled for tripping, giving Amherst a four-on-three advantage. The Mammoths moved the puck crisply around the perimeter, drawing defenders out of position and creating space high in the slot.

At 1:27, 87 seconds into overtime, Abban delivered. Finishing off assists from Bea Flynn and Marie-Eve Marleau, she buried the game-winner to send Amherst into the next round and bring the Orr Rink crowd to its feet.

The night carried additional significance for Stott. With the win, the senior netminder earned the 82nd victory of her career, tying the all-time NCAA Division III record set by former Gustavus Adolphus College goaltender Katie McCoy. Her steady presence throughout regulation and overtime once again anchored Amherst's postseason push.