Mechanicsburg, Pa. – November 16, 2013 - The Amherst College women’s soccer team converted a penalty kick midway through the first half to earn a hard-fought 1-0 win over Springfield College in the opening round of the 2013 NCAA Championship hosted by Messiah College.

The Jeffs improved to 10-3-3 on the year and will face the host Falcons in second round action on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m.

Coming out strong, Springfield earned four corners and recorded a pair of shots over the first 15 minutes of action. Battling back, Amherst moved into the attacking third, earning a penalty kick on a handball at 23:03. Megan Kim notched her team-high 10th goal of the season to stake the Jeffs to a 1-0 margin.

With neither team able to sustain consistent offensive pressure for the remainder of the half, Amherst carried its slim margin into the intermission. Forcing the issue early in the second period, Springfield drew a foul inside the Jeff 18-yard box. Amherst goalkeeper Holly Burwick made a diving stop on the kick, getting just enough of the ball to knock it off the post.

Looking for an insurance goal, the Jeffs moved into the attacking third in the 55th minute. Ripping a well struck ball toward net, Hannah Cooper narrowly missed out on adding to the Amherst tally, sending the shot just over the crossbar. Just over 15 minutes later, Amanda Brisco sent in Kim. Getting behind the Pride defense the forward looked to have a breakaway, but Springfield netminder Lucy Gillett came off her line to snuff out the threat.

Outshot 7-3 over the first 45 minutes, Amherst turned the tide in the second half, holding a 4-3 edge. Down one, Nina Vital had a chance in the 68th minute that prompted a Burwick save. Elizabeth Monsen recorded another attempt that veered wide with just over 10 to play.

Burwick and Gillett each finished with three saves, while Springfield held a 10-7 overall shot advantage and a 7-4 edge in corners.