BOSTON, MA. – A stunning strike from Katie Pedersen proved the game-winner as the No. 22-ranked Amherst College women's soccer team got back in the win column on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Facing Emerson College in the first of a three games on the road, the Mammoths took advantage of a clear night in Boston and came home with a 2-0 victory.

With the win, the Mammoths improve to 4-1 this season, while the Lions drop to 2-2-2. Amherst will continue their travels with NESCAC action in just three days time, taking on nationally ranked Middlebury on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Mammoths will meet the Panthers in Vermont looking to build on their momentum. Kickoff in Middlebury is set for 2 p.m.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS:
 
* The game started out with the Mammoths on the back foot, facing an offensive flurry from the Lions that resulted in two quick corners. However, goalie Lulu Fickes and defenders Mekhala Costello, Ella Johnson, and the rest of the Amherst back line proved up to the task and the game stayed tied at 0-0.
 
* Eventually, the away side found their footing, and the run of play started to swing. The first goal came soon after: after a hard foul that resulted in a yellow card for the Emerson goalie, junior Pedersen stepped up to take the free kick from about 30 yards out. The Mammoths' holding midfielder roped a beautiful curing shot to the top left side netting for the first goal of the game. 1-0 Amherst.
 
* The Mammoths came out of the half hard, with the underclassman trio of Kate Donlan, Millie McLeod, and Emma Darling putting relentless pressure on the Lions' back line. The Mammoths most dangerous opportunity came when Donlan was able to beat the Lions' goalkeeper to a ball in behind the back line and cut the ball back across the 18-yard box to Brooke Ingemi. However, the senior's shot pinged against the post and the score remained 1-0.
 
* The goal came soon after though. Mammoths were able to work the ball up the field, with Johnson finding a checking Donlan about 30 yards from goal. The sophomore was able to turn her defender and rush toward the net, with Becca Button to her left creating a 2 v. 1 chance. Donlan executed perfectly, slipping the ball to the right of the last defender for Button as she sprinted out of midfield and slotted the ball home to make it 2-0.  
 
* The Lions didn't threaten much in the second half, and the Mammoths rode their momentum to a 2-0 victory.
 
 
BY THE NUMBERS:

* Pedersen's goal was the third of her career and her first since 2023. Donlan's assist on Button's second half tally was the first point of her collegiate career.

* The Mammoths outshot the Lions 22-5 overall, including 9-3 in shots on goal, and earned 9 corners in the match.
 
* Senior netminder Lulu Fickes made 3 saves on the day, all coming in the first half.