Headed into the NESCAC tournament quarterfinals in Hartford, Conn., on Saturday, the women’s lacrosse team knew what it would be up against facing off with the top team in the nation, No. 1 Trinity. The Bantams had not lost in their last 22 games in their quest to repeat as both NESCAC and national champions this year. Unfortunately for the Jumbos, that streak continued, as the Bantams won their 23rd straight game with a 12-8 victory.
“They have been nationally ranked No. 1 all year, they won the national championship last year, so we knew we were going into a big challenge going into this game,” senior co-captain attacker Kerry Eaton said. “We had to put the pressure on them though. They had something to lose, not us.”
Although Trinity jumped out to a quick advantage and never trailed during the game, Tufts was successful in forcing its opponent to continuously defend their lead. There was no point where Trinity really blew the game open, as the Jumbos continued to fight back and stay resilient.
The Bantams struck early with three straight goals, the third coming from All-American senior tri-captain midfielder Megan Leonhard. Tufts freshman midfielder Brigid Bowser, however, stepped up to make the first strike for the Jumbos at the 14:47 mark. The Jumbos then scored two of the next three goals on shots from Eaton and sophomore Annie Nero to pull within one goal of Trinity.
Though Tufts never lost energy and continued to challenge Trinity, the Bantams responded to the adversity well. A string of three more goals before the end of the half from Trinity, followed by a strike in the final minute by Tufts junior attacker Gabby Horner, left the Jumbos trailing 7-4 at halftime.
Trinity again struck first at the beginning of the second half, tacking on two more goals before Tufts could answer. The Jumbos did not lie down, though. They outscored Trinity 4-3 for the remainder of the game, as Eaton added two more goals, freshman attacker Caroline Ross netted a goal and put up two assists and senior attacker Kaitlyn Leidl contributed two assists. Bowser added another goal to finish with two, one assist, three groundballs and three draw controls, while senior goalie Tess Shapanka finished with three saves in her last collegiate game.
“I know they’ve had some close games, but this is definitely one of their closer games,” junior midfielder Kate Applegate said. “We never gave up, we never wanted to stop playing, which showed in the score. The last time we played them it was 13-4. This couldn’t have been a more different game.”
In a season plagued by small mishaps and close losses, it was a good experience for the team to come out and have a strong, uniform showing before the end of the season, especially against a team as talented as Trinity, who will take on Hamilton College in the NESCAC semifinals.
“I think it was our best game and our best team effort only losing to them by four goals,” Eaton said. “They scored in the last second, so we pretty much lost by three, but it was the fact that we were able to keep them on their toes and scare them. It was what we were working up to all season.”
For Eaton, who finished with three goals, Shapanka, Leidl and defenders Collier Clegg, Kerry McGinn and co-captain Meg Boland, this game was the last time they will suit up as Jumbos under head coach Carol Rappoli. Although the team finishes the year at 7-8 overall and 3-7 in the NESCAC, that doesn’t tell the story of a team that fought hard all season.
“I think as a whole, we really came together as a team,” Eaton said. “Especially in the last few weeks, we went through unusual circumstances, but we were able to come together with everyone on the team supporting one another. The biggest thing I can take away is the team bonding aspect of the season.”
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