Peaking at the perfect time in the season with eight wins in its past nine games, the women's softball team (16-8-1) this weekend will host the Tufts Invitational, a series of contests featuring both NESCAC and non-conference New England rivals. The tournament is taking place for the third time, although it was omitted last season due to scheduling reasons.
Currently one of the three undefeated teams in the NESCAC East conference, Tufts (4-0) will take on Colby (6-4, 2-0) in a doubleheader on Saturday. Later that afternoon, it will face Emerson, the squad's third game of the day.
"Colby is our biggest rival this weekend, no question," coach Kris Talon said. "The first two games of the tourney are our NESCAC East games. They are must win for both teams."
Colby is led by junior Kate Magnuson, who is currently hitting at a blistering .469 pace, to go along with a .565 slugging percentage. The White Mules have had much success thus far this season, but are relatively untested, with only ten games under their belt compared to the 25 that Tufts has played. The Jumbos will focus on the fundamentals which have brought them victories so far this season.
"Mental intensity, which we can be very good at, will be a key," Talon said. "Solid pitching all weekend and continuing to hit the ball well will of course be important. We left a few too many runners on base against Springfield. We need to get them in."
On Sunday, Tufts will play Endicott College and another team to be determined. With five games in just over 24 hours, pitching and fatigue will surely beleaguer many of the teams in the tournament, but Talon feels this will play to the Jumbos' advantage.
"We have the deepest pitching staff in the region," Talon said. "Intensity cannot be a factor, as a team we will not tolerate lack thereof. Fatigue is probably a reality at this time of year on the academic schedule, but we can overcome that with softball intensity - that is one of our strengths."
Offensive depth is also one of the team's assets, as all 14 members - including pitchers - have at least one RBI on the season.
"We have great depth offensively especially, and on defense as well," Talon said. "Our 14th player is better than anyone else's in the conference. Ours is a true team effort."
The Tufts Invitational begins at noon on Saturday, and will continue throughout the weekend.
