The team's defense once again stole the show this weekend. While the team was unable to come away with a victory over the Ephs, the tie was the next best thing.
"Williams possessed the ball very well and our defense did a great job of being patient and waiting until they made a mistake," sophomore midfielder Martha Furtek said.
The unit has allowed nine goals all season, and just six in its seven conference games - first in the NESCAC.
Junior Jen Fratto, who had to sit out the first few games with stress fractures in her back and has been battling traces of the injury in recent weeks, is the leader of the pack. Her composure around the goal sets the example for her teammates, as she exudes calm confidence while opposing teams rally around the net.
"There is a definite difference when she leaves the field," sophomore Joelle Emery said of her fellow defender. "Even though she's battling injuries, she still goes out and plays hard and really keeps us calm and composed."
With Fratto holding down the middle, Emery not only roams defensively, but can also to push up on offense and use her big foot create potential scoring opportunities in the box.
"Joelle's been playing really well, and she can make the runs up on offense every once in a while," senior tri-captain Sarah Callaghan said. "Her having such a big foot means that even free kicks from farther out are now scoring opportunities."
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of the year for Tufts has been its outside two defenders: sophomores Annie Benedict and Jessie Wagner. The two stepped into defensive roles previously filled by departed seniors and have rarely made mistakes.
"They definitely have surprised people," Emery said. "They both have a very good sense of defense, which is helpful."
The icing on the defensive cake all season has been junior goalie Annie Ross, who, like Wagner and Benedict, replaced a graduated senior. She has flourished as the Jumbo keeper, leading the league in goals against average and shutouts this season. Her play against the Ephs on Saturday was particularly impressive, as she fended off a potent Williams attack to keep the Jumbos in the game and preserve the 0-0 tie.
"Annie had a really great game," Furtek said. "She got a lot of pressure from their offense and came up with some really amazing saves to keep us in it."
And while the Jumbos aren't looking past the game in front of them, much less the 2005 season, one small fact can't help but cross the minds of the Jumbos.
"Three of the four starters are only sophomores, so they're only going to get better in the future," Callaghan said.
