Due to the inclement weather yesterday, the women's soccer team was forced to postpone its game against Gordon College until today at 4 p.m. on Kraft Field. Although the game holds no significance in the conference standings, a win would deliver a necessary confidence boost to the team.
Coming off of a tough 3-0 loss on Saturday to Colby, the Jumbos will need to rebound since many more NESCAC games are approaching in the near future. Another interesting twist in today's game is the recent announcement that there will be at-large bids to the national championship for NESCAC teams. Suddenly the non-conference games bear a greater importance since overall record will be a consideration in the selection of these bids. With an early loss to a weaker Babson College team, more frivolous losses must be avoided. Even so, the team does not feel that this ruling will change its game plan much.
"We still want to win all of our games, and our goal is still to be first in the NESCAC, regardless of the at-large bids," sophomore Becca Doigan said.
Gordon College, competing in the Commonwealth Coast Conference, has fared well this season, currently posting a 5-2 record. With a potent offense, they have demolished a few opponents, including Curry College (9-0), Mount Ida College (7-0). Overall, they have outscored opponents 23-5, although none of the opponents have been nationally ranked or the same caliber as Tufts.
Last year, Tufts played Gordon at the same point in the season, and was able to control the game, winning 3-1. Gordon entered last year's contest with an impressive 7-1 record, but could only muster seven shots compared to 18 by Tufts.
"Even though we beat them last year, we are not going to take them lightly," Doigan said.
In the game, Tufts will focus on increasing intensity, especially in the first half - an area where they have been lacking early on this season. Aside from these mental aspects, coach Martha Whiting does not plan on changing her strategy at all.
The extra day of rest has also helped the Jumbos with an extra day of healing, as many team members have been playing through some minor injuries. Senior co-captain Katie Ruddy will be at full strength after missing three games to a leg injury. Doigan will be the only regular player on the sidelines today, as her sprained ankle and pulled Achilles tendon will keep her out for another week.
