Facing three teams in five games over the weekend, the Jumbos finished the Tufts Invitational on a high note, sweeping through their busy weekend home stand. Tufts is the NESCAC's hottest team, winning 14 of its last 15 games. Of the weekend series, its double header against Colby held the most importance for the team, strengthening its NESCAC East record to a perfect 6-0.
Most impressive about Tufts' matchup with Colby was the ease with which the Jumbos swept the White Mules. In its two games against Tufts, Colby achieved a total of three base runners, one hit, and no runs. The two games displayed not only the strength of the Jumbo defense but its offense as well, as Tufts compiled sixteen runs over the afternoon.
"We crushed their pitching, we went out and proved that we are a strong offensive and defensive team," coach Chris Talon said.
The Jumbos opened the day setting the tone of the series with a no hitter from junior Jodie Moreau. Moreau walked only two batters while striking out six.
"I had no idea that I was throwing a no hitter. I usually keep track of these things," Moreau said.
While Moreau held down the opposition, her teammates eased her tensions, scoring early and often to finish the game with an 8-0 win. Much of the offense came from senior co-captain Randee McArdle who hit her fourth homerun of the season in the fourth inning and recorded three RBIs during the game.
"We just came out with full intensity," Moreau said. "We came out ready to play and we knew what we were capable of doing."
Following Moreau's performance, senior co-captain Rachel Brecher threw a one hitter to help complete the sweep. Brecher showed excellent control in her outing walking none and striking out two.
Capping off their successful Saturday, the Jumbos faced Emerson. While Colby was the most important opponent of the weekend, the game allowed freshmen Lindsey McClory to add innings to her total, pitching a complete game to defeat Emerson 11-2. Once again the Jumbos crushed their opponent's pitching and offense. And once again, sophomore Lis Drake and McCardle boosted the offense with home runs, each finishing with two in three games.
Yesterday, the Jumbos finished their home stand, completing the day with two wins, facing Endicott in the morning and then Emerson once again. In their first game against Endicott, the Jumbos again used McClory, who was followed by freshmen Casey Lindsey and Brecher.
The three pitchers combined to hold the Emerson offense to four runs while the Jumbos scrapped by with five runs to win their closest match of the weekend. Tufts broke a tie to win the game in the bottom of the ninth inning with an RBI from freshmen Julie Fox to drive in McArdle.
The weekend series ended yesterday afternoon as Tufts shut out Emerson 13-0 with another stellar performance from Moreau. The Emerson offense was limited to three hits while Moreau struck out six. Emerson made a charge in the fourth inning, loading the bases with two out. Yet the potential for a rally was quickly subdued as Fox threw out the second base runner for the inning's final out.
Throughout the series, while the Jumbos exhibited great offense, they continued to play small ball. Despite numerous home runs from their lineup, batters continued to bunt and sacrifice themselves to move runners.
"We are a really good offensive team. We've been working on the little things like seeing the ball, hitting the ball and base running has been key," sophomore Nikki Blotner said.
Talon was impressed by her team's ability to sweep through the series playing well offensively and defensively.
"Winning those games was important. We made a statement that we are better than those teams," Talon said.
Coming off this weekend with confidence in their ability, the Jumbos will face their toughest opponents this weekend as they travel to Bowdoin (10-4, 2-0). After losing to Bowdoin last season, Talon feels this weekend has a "big revenge factor."
"We're the two best teams in the NESCAC," Talon said.
Therefore the Jumbos will head to Brunswick, ME this weekend with the opportunity of finishing the season undefeated in the NESCAC and winning the division.
