The stakes could not be higher for the softball team as Tufts kicks off a three-game set at Trinity in Hartford, Conn., this afternoon. If the Jumbos can take two out of three from the Bantams this weekend, the NESCAC Tournament will take place at Spicer Field for the first time since 2009.
But if Tufts gets swept or drops two out of three, while Bowdoin beats Bates in its final game, Tufts will be left out of the conference tournament for the first time in school history.
The Daily presents three keys to watch for as the Jumbos fight for their playoff lives in enemy territory:
Holding the Bantams early
The Jumbos have given up two or more runs in the first inning of six out of their eight losses since returning from spring break and entering New England play. On April 11, for example, Tufts was lit up for five runs in the first inning against Babson. The Jumbos will count on sophomore Rebecca DiBiase and senior co-captain Izzie Santone — who both boast sub-3.00 ERAs — to contain the Bantams early and give Tufts' offense, which has a season average of over .300, less responsibility to mount comebacks.
Kicking into high gear
While Tufts' offensive power has been on full display throughout the season — the Jumbos rank first in the NESCAC in home runs and hits and second in runs — capitalizing so far on what has been a league-high 83 walks on the basepaths could prove the most crucial this weekend. Junior outfielder Lizzie Iuppa (16-for-18); junior co-captain first baseman Lena Cantone (11-for-12); and junior shortstop Mira Lieman-Sifry (11-17) all individually rank in the top five in the NESCAC in stolen bases, and the Jumbos as a team have stolen 55 bases in 2011, 11 more than second-place Bowdoin. More of the same from the top of coach Cheryl Milligan's order will put runners in scoring position and allow freshman Jo Clair (league-high 39 RBIs) and Cantone (31 RBIs) to go to work.
Solving the Poulos puzzle
Tufts had major trouble with Trinity junior Katherine Poulos last season, only managing two earned runs in 12 2/3 innings against her. In game one of last season's three-game series, the Jumbos knocked out Bantam ace Kristen Anderson before Poulos shut down the Jumbos en route to a 6-5 win. This season Poulus is 8-5 with a 2.69 ERA in 14 appearances and again will pose a major threat to Tufts' lineup. Especially if they see her in multiple games, the Jumbos will need to produce runs with this Bantam hurler on the mound. If Tufts can solve the Poulus puzzle, the team's 10 seniors will get one last chance to play on Spicer Field for the NESCAC tournament.
