For the first time in over a year, the women's softball team (13-7) was shut out. Three hours later, they were shut out again. Although Bridgewater State did not bring a strong record (8-11-1) into the game, the perennial New England powerhouse put up two solid pitching efforts, beating Tufts 2-0, 7-0 in yesterday's doubleheader.
"We just didn't have our hitting shoes on today," coach Kris Talon said.
Senior Jodie Moreau engaged Bridgewater senior Betsy Ahearn in an epic pitcher's duel in the first game. After five innings of scoreless play, the Bears opened it up with three straight hits, and eventually scored two runs (one earned) in the inning. Ahearn finished the complete game giving up a mere two hits to the typically potent Jumbo offense. Moreau, despite another fine pitching performance, picked up her first loss of the year (10-1).
"Jodie pitched another good game," Talon said. "She only gave up one earned run. We just need to score more."
In the nightcap, Bridgewater's offense came on strong, capitalizing on some Jumbo fielding errors to put a quick seven runs on the board through the first four innings. Freshman Caroline Grieco settled down on the mound eventually, but the errors proved costly, since Tufts was never able to muster any offense support.
Among the two best-hit balls in the game for Tufts came from Moreau in the DH spot, as she sent two balls deep to right center, but they were both flagged down by the outfielder just before the fence. Aside from a few scoring opportunities, senior pitcher Amanda Sanson kept the Jumbos in check, and an airtight defense did not allow Tufts any free chances.
"They were definitely hittable," senior co-captain Emily Ferrazza said. "We may have just underestimated them."
"We're still a good team," Talon said. "I don't know why we lost. It was nothing earth shattering. We just can't sit back and rely on what we've done in the past."
Without much time to dwell on the loss, Tufts will travel to Brandeis tomorrow and will host Eastern Connecticut for a doubleheader on Sunday in a busy stretch of eight straight non-conference games.
Brandeis enters the game with a mediocre 7-11 record, including a 1-7 mark in the University Athletic Association. The record might be deceptive though, as the Judges topped NESCAC powerhouse Amherst 7-1 back on April 5. Currently Amherst (11-7, 4-0) is the only other team in the NESCAC besides Tufts with an undefeated record.
Brandeis brings a lot of muscle to the plate, but the team's pitching has been its downfall thus far this season. Five starters are hitting over .300 for the year, led by Sara Albert, who was batting .519 with four homeruns through 13 games. In fact the team batting average is an impressive .331.
The pitching, on the other hand, has posted a 6.01 ERA, led by sophomore Leigh Warren (4.89), despite her 1-5 record. Last year, graduate Rachel Brecher pitched a four-hit shutout against Brandeis, as Tufts went on to win 6-0.
On Sunday, the Jumbos return home to play a doubleheader against Eastern Connecticut State University (11-9). After stumbling out to a 1-6 start, the Warriors have gone 10-3, rolling over New England opponents, including Trinity, a NESCAC team. Last year, Brecher and Moreau both pitched shutouts as the Jumbos topped the Warriors 7-0 and 12-0.
"We need to hit better this weekend," Ferrazza said. "We've been in a bit of a batting slump for the past three or so games, so we will try to hit like we can."
