Waterville, Maine - Week after week, the NESCAC proves to be the most competitive league in Division III sports. Colby's matchup against #10 ranked Amherst this weekend was a grueling test of resilience and most importantly mental strength that unfortunately resulted in a loss. However, the Mules showed that they're capable of playing with literally one of the best teams in the nation as they led the majority of the game before falling 14-8. This loss takes Colby's record to 1-3 overall, and 0-3 in NESCAC conference play.

After going down 2-0 in the opening five minutes, the Mules did what they've successfully done all year and fought their way back into the game. Will Steele opened the scoring for Colby off an assist from Gavin Rothenberg, while Bennett Goller did it all himself minutes later to tie the game. After a go-ahead goal from Amherst, the Mules continued to respond but this time with four straight goals. Defenseman, Jackson Alvord had a brilliant play, winning the ball in Colby's half and after running the full field, combined with Brooks Rayment for his first goal of the year. In the second quarter, Goller and Steele all doubled their goal tallies while Rothenberg bagged his first of the game to take the Mules up 6-3, in what seemed like a possible upset.

Initially, the Mammoths capitalized on transition plays where Colby looked unorganized, but as they settled into the game, the Mules' defense gained confidence and shut down the #10 team in the nation. The second quarter was Colby's best defensive performance but after two late goals before the half, the Mules' 6-5 lead slowly deteriorated in a tough third quarter.

The second half was a testament to Amherst's capability but justified Colby's untapped ceiling as they led most of the first half. The Mammoths were patient and took care of the ball in what seemed like constant possession–specifically coming from consistent face-off wins. Rothenberg grabbed his second of the day in the third quarter, slightly disrupting Amherst's momentum, and then completed his hat trick late in the fourth quarter. In a game where the scoreline didn't reflect Colby's efforts on both ends, the takeaways deserve plaudits as they caused the Mammoths plenty of problems early on.

Looking for their first NESCAC win, the Mules are back in action on Saturday, March 22nd at 1 pm, as they head down to Clinton, New York to take on Hamilton.