BOX
SCORE
MEDFORD -- Host Tufts University, ranked third in the National
Field Hockey Coaches Association poll this week, got first-half
goals from junior Tamara Brown (Annandale, VA) and senior
co-captain Amanda Russo (Garden City, NY) to edge Babson College,
2-1, on Tuesday afternoon at Bello Field.
The Jumbos (2-0) won their 22nd straight regular-season game.
They have not lost during the regular season since October 6, 2007
at Bowdoin. Babson dropped to 3-2 overall with their first loss in
three games. This was the second straight year that Tufts took a
close 2-1 victory over the Beavers.
Tufts dominated possession and finished with a 30-4 advantage in
shots and 13-4 in penalty corners. However, the Jumbos couldn't
capitalize on most of their opportunities against a hard-playing
Babson squad. With Tufts leading 2-0 at the half, Babson's
Kelly Walsh (Gardner, MA) scored her third goal of
the season just five minutes into the second half to make it a
one-goal game. That's where it stayed for the remainder of the
contest.
Brown, who set a Tufts record with 28 goals last year, put the
hosts on the scoreboard by deftly deflecting a shot by senior
co-captain Margi Scholtes (Grosse Pointe, MI) past Babson keeper
Jessica Pashos (Winchester, MA) in the 27th minute
of play. Five minutes later, Tufts looked to be establishing some
rhythm as Russo finished a nice cross from first-year Lia Sagerman
(LaJolla, CA) for a 2-0 lead with 2:28 remaining in the first half.
After attempting just one shot in the first half, Babson scored
on their first shot on goal of the game to make things interesting
in the second half. Walsh converted with an assist to junior
Sarah Fredlund (New Preston, CT) at the 40:19
mark. Pashos and the Babson defense continued to deny Tufts
chances, including a defensive save by sophomore Erika
Hansen (Marson Mills, MA). Pashos would finish with 12
saves, including seven in the second half.
Babson had very few chances to tie the game. Late in the second
half, Beaver sophomore Courtney Weaving (New Preston,
CT) put a long shot on net from the left side that Tufts
sophomore Marianna Zak (Concord, MA) kicked away for her lone save
of the game.
Tufts remains at home to host NESCAC foe Amherst College on
Saturday at noon. Babson is idle for a week prior to opening its
home season next Tuesday against Bridgewater State.
NOTE: Taken from a Tufts University press release.
