The women's lacrosse team's eight seniors were honored yesterday before their final regular season game on Bello Field, but once the game began, it was a sophomore who stole the show.
Gabby Horner scored five goals to match a career high and added an assist to lead No. 14 Tufts to a 14?8 victory against No. 20 Bates. It was a crucial conference win for Tufts, which moved back to the .500 mark in the NESCAC at 4?4 and improved to 8?4 overall.
The Jumbos fell behind 2?0 and 4?3 early but came on strong at the end of the first period to take a 7?4 halftime lead. In the second half, Tufts and Bates traded goals before the Jumbos took control, going on a five?goal run to take a 13?6 lead and put the game out of reach.
In addition to Horner's offensive onslaught, junior Kerry Eaton scored three goals and senior tri?captain Lara Kozin added a goal and two assists. Senior Kelly Cakert forced three turnovers to add to her league?leading total, while classmate Emily Pillemer scooped up five ground balls.
The victory came on the heels of a demoralizing 12?4 loss to Amherst on Saturday that put Tufts alone in seventh place in the NESCAC. After yesterday's bounce?back performance, Tufts moved into a tie with Hamilton for the sixth spot.
The team will hit the road for its final two regular season contests, Saturday at 1?7 Wesleyan and next Wednesday at 5?3 Bowdoin.
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