Box Score MEDFORD, MA—After going scoreless for much of the game, Tufts University (10-3) pulled out a victory against Williams College (7-6), 2-1. Despite the loss, Coach Alix Barrale was pleased with her team's play. "Overall, the game was a well-played loss and it was a very competitive and exciting match up," she said. "I'm disappointed we could hold the lead and capitalize more when Tufts was on their heels."
Tufts' closest scoring opportunity in the first half came from a penalty corner. Junior Rachel Terveer received the insert and fired in a shot. Williams senior-captain Annie Rojas came up with a diving save in front of the net to keep the game scoreless.
Williams countered with three penalty corners at the end of the first half, putting up five shots to contest goalkeeper Bri Keenan. Although close attempts, the Ephs were not able to go up before the end of the half. Senior Haley Ladd-Luthingshauser was key in creating these opportunities for the Ephs.
The first goal of the game was put in by the Ephs at the 55th minute mark. Senior co-captain Caitlin Conlon found first year Julianna Kostas open in front of the net. Kostas placed the ball in the right corner for her first goal of the year and of the game. Of Kostas' play, Barrale said, "Julianna added a needed spark on offense."
The Ephs held the number ten rank Jumbos scoreless until the 58th minute. Off a penalty corner, junior Dakota Sikes-Kelip ripped a shot on net. Sophomore goalie Margaret Draper saved her shot, but sophomore Annie Artz gathered the rebound and slid it past Draper.
The battle continued, but neither team was able to put in another goal until Tufts went ahead in the last four minutes. Junior Alexandra Jamison inserted a penalty corner to Sikes-Kelip. From the top of the circle, Sikes-Kelip fired the ball to the back right of the net to put the Jumbos up 2-1.
Despite the early efforts in the game, Bararle said "we broke down on all fronts and let Tufts back in the game."
The Jumbos held the advantage in both shots and corners, which ultimately provided them with the victory. "We have a very good team, but we could be a great team," Barrale remarked. "We have two games left to improve that."
Williams' next chance to improve is against Bates next Saturday at 11:00 AM in Maine.
