After falling to three straight NESCAC opponents, the No. 19 Tufts womens lacrosse team exploded offensively in Saturdays Senior Day game at Bello Field to defeat Wesleyan 17-5. With the victory, the Jumbos moved into to a tie with Williams for the eighth and final playoff spot in the NESCAC with just one more week of play remaining before the seeds are final and the postseason tournament commences.
Fittingly, it was the Class of 2013 that made the biggest impact in Saturdays matchup with the Cardinals. The seniors combined for 10 goals in the game, with senior co-captain attacker Kerry Eaton leading the way with five of her own. Senior attacker Kaitlyn Leidl tallied a career-best six points with three goals and three assists, and senior co-captain defender Meg Boland stepped up offensively to net two goals in a game for the first time in her career.
Meanwhile, defenders Collier Clegg and Kerry McGinn led the seniors on the other half of the field, with four draw controls for Clegg and one for McGinn. The last home game left the seniors with some mixed emotions, though, as it marked the beginning of the end for the graduating class.
I guess it was definitely bittersweet, Boland said. Its been a long and great season. Its great to see everyone pull together for seniors like this; weve worked really hard as a team. Its really weird that its our last home game, but its exciting, and I think we played a great game. I wouldnt have wanted it any other way for our senior game.
The Jumbos started the game in complete control of possession and tempo, scoring the first seven goals of the contest to establish the tone for the rest of the matchup.
Freshman attacker Caroline Ross scored three goals in that run, while Eaton netted two. By the end of the half, the Jumbos had extended their lead to 13-3, with two of the strikes coming from freshman midfielder Brigid Bowser, who finished with six points total.
The Jumbos played extremely efficiently and effectively on offense, outshooting the Cardinals 18-7 and outdrawing them 12-5 in the first 30 minutes.
I think we did a good job of picking our shots, junior midfielder Kelley Cohen said. We did a really good job at shooting with a purpose and taking our time on offense. Our shot percentage had been low in the game before. We did a better job looking for perfect opportunities and holding when it wasnt there. There were very few unforced turnovers.
By the end of the game, Tufts racked up a 29-15 shot advantage, successfully converting six-of-nine free position shots. Ross finished with four goals, while junior midfielder Emily Wright and attacker Gabby Horner won five draws and four draws respectively. Cohen finished with two caused turnovers and four groundballs.
As a result, the win puts Tufts in a great position to advance to the postseason. They are tied right now with Williams, a team the Jumbos beat 12-5 earlier this season, for the final position.
A Tufts win in its next game against Bowdoin on Wednesday, or an Ephs loss to Middlebury, will secure the eighth spot for the Jumbos. The Ephs are coming off a lopsided loss against No. 12 Amherst, and Middlebury, ranked second in the NESCAC, will be a tough challenge. Although Bowdoin, currently third in the conference at 7-2, will not be any easier for Tufts, the team has had very competitive showings against the Polar Bears in recent history.
We are trying to carry through with the win and keep up our focus and intensity, Boland said. We want to play a clean lacrosse game against Bowdoin. I think two out of last three times we played them, we took them to overtime. This last game should show how weve progressed throughout the season.
Regardless of the numbers, the Jumbos have a burst of energy after the impressive display against Wesleyan, and this week will give them a chance to finish out the season with a strong showing.
I think were very optimistic and very excited, Cohen said. We are reenergized after Wesleyan, and to win in such a dominant fashion was great. It got our spirits up and was a great win for our team morale. Were excited for Bowdoin on Wednesday, and whoever we face in NESCACs Saturday.
