VALERIE KRAH, BASKETBALL
Krah was instrumental in the women's basketball team's win over conference foe Bates on Saturday. Coming into the weekend matchup, the Jumbos had been winless against the Bobcats since 2003, and were looking to remain undefeated in conference play. With the game tied 60-60 with just under three minutes to play, Krah grabbed a crucial steal to give the Jumbos possession of the ball. Seconds later, it was Krah who then nailed a three-pointer at the top of the key, sending the Tufts bench into a frenzy and putting the Jumbos ahead 63-60 with 2:54 remaining. The Jumbos never looked back from there, and finished off a 72-64 victory to push their conference record to 3-0. Krah finished the game with 16 points, pushing her season average to a team-leading 13.4 points per game.
In addition to Saturday's game, Krah led the Jumbos with 16 points on Thursday when the women took on non-conference rival Worcester State. Krah has been a leader from outside the arc all season. Krah will continue to provide leadership for the Jumbos as they host non-conference Wheaton on Tuesday at 6 p.m and NESCAC rival Conn. College on Friday.
Issa Azat, Hockey
Trailing 5-2 midway through the second period against No. 11 Bowdoin on Friday evening, coach Brian Murphy called on junior goalie Issa Azat to replace his classmate, James Kalec, between the pipes. The netminder came up big for the Jumbos, halting all seventeen shots that came his way, and sparking Tufts to a 7-5 come-from-behind victory.
Azat continued to be a presence in goal the following afternoon when his team took on Colby. The opposing offense fired 43 shots at the goalie and he posted 36 saves. A plethora of penalties allowed the Mules to come through with four power play goals, which proved to be too much for the Jumbos to overcome.
In addition to his stellar performances over the weekend, Azat was a wall in the net on Tuesday, holding Boston opponent Suffolk to three goals, and compiling 27 saves in the 4-3 win.
The win against Bowdoin was the first NESCAC win on the season for the Jumbos, who now stand at 1-10 in the league and 4-11 overall. The Jumbos will look to add more wins on Tuesday when they host Johnson & Wales and Friday night when Hamilton pays a visit to the rink in Malden.
