In its first games back since spring break, the softball team improved its record to 7-5 with a doubleheader sweep of Eastern Connecticut College. Behind Jodie Moreau's two-hitter, the Jumbos won the first game by a 7-0 score, before capitalizing on a ten-run fourth inning to take the finale, 12-0.
"It felt great to come back from a spring training trip full of highs and lows and shut out a highly respected New England team," senior co-captain Rachel Brecher said.
Moreau struck out four and walked none in the complete-game performance. She carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning - supported by six Jumbo runs in the first two innings -and managed to maintain the shutout and lowered her ERA to 3.18 on the season.
Moreau's performance was nearly matched in the second game by Brecher, who pitched four scoreless innings, allowing four hits, three strikeouts, and lowering her ERA to 3.75. Freshmen Maggie McClory pitched the fifth and final inning, as the shutout victory was preserved do the eight-run rule.
While pitching proved to be one of Tufts' major strengths of the day, the team's offense played an equally large - and balanced - role.
With few errors committed by either team, 17 of the Jumbos' run runs on the day were earned, and everyone in the starting lineup but Moreau had at least one hit.
"When we put our offense into action and make the other team work, we always do well," sophomore Nikki Blotner said.
The entire team contributed to the offensive attack, but senior co-captain Randee McArdle had the most impressive day at the plate. In the second game, McArdle had a hit and scored a run in both at-bats while recording four RBI. The senior, whose bases-clearing double in the fourth capped off the ten-run inning, finished the day with three hits, three runs scored and five RBI in six at-bats.
Sophomore Lis Drake also had a strong day, belting two doubles in the first game while also driving in two runs.
"It gave us the confidence to do whatever we want to do," Talon said of the two wins.
The squad will break into its NESCAC schedule tomorrow with a home doubleheader against Wheaton.
"Every game we play is a big game. Every NESCAC game is a must win," Brecher said.
Yet, Talon and her team are confident that they can take on the challenge. With a strong offense and great pitching, the Jumbos are one of the favorites to win the division.
"If we do all the little things right, we have a talented team and should do well," Talon said.
