Make it six in a row.
The women's soccer team collected its sixth consecutive victory at Trinity on Saturday, moving into second place in the NESCAC standings. Entering the game ranked sixth in New England, the Jumbos got some help from this year's newcomers to remain unbeaten in October.
Trinity entered the contest with a record of 2-7-1 overall and 0-5-1 in NESCAC play, but was on a two-game winning streak. The Bantams jumped on the board early with a goal from junior forward Rachel Talentino on a nice pass from sophomore midfielder Chelsey Reynolds. The goal lit a fire under the Jumbos, who responded two minutes later with a score by junior defender Rebecca Abbott on a well-placed corner kick from junior midfielder Jessie Wagner.
The Bantams struck once more before halftime when Reynolds threaded another pass, this time to sophomore midfielder Erika Maciaszczyk. Trinity ended the half up 2-1, and Tufts would have to come from behind, as they have done several times this season.
"It was not a perfect game for us," Wagner said. "We were down after the first, but really fought hard and came back to keep the winning streak alive."
The Jumbos were helped by an own goal, as the Bantams scored on themselves just 10 minutes into the second half. That bit of luck was enough to shift momentum back in Tufts' favor.
In the 58th minute, Tufts took the lead for good. Freshman midfielder Jesslyn Jamison launched a ball into the box from long distance, and the powerful kick was misjudged by Trinity's junior goaltender Tara Fincuane. Fincuane was unable to reach the ball as it sailed overhead and into the net.
The nail in the coffin came from freshman forward Ali Maxwell in the 72nd minute. Maxwell was able to collect the ball inside the box and beat Fincuane to the top left corner.
Both Jamison and Maxwell scored for the first time in their collegiate careers. The recent success of the two freshmen is a good sign for the Jumbos, as they need some offensive help as they try to catch Amherst and claim the top spot in the NESCAC. The ability of the two freshmen to step up and perform in pressure situations adds to the depth and versatility of the squad.
"The freshmen have been playing consistently well throughout the season," sophomore forward Ali Mehlsak said. "I think their goals this past week were a result of their finally feeling comfortable in their respective places on the team. As a new player, there's definitely a transitional period where you have to get used to new teammates, new strategies, and new coaching. It appears as though the freshmen have gotten past that phase, and are feeling comfortable with us now."
Apart from the momentary lapses that opened the door for Trinity's two goals, the Tufts defense was tight, allowing only four other shots on goal, all of which senior tri-captain goalkeeper Annie Ross was able to stop.
The Jumbos have two conference games left this season, one against Williams and one with Conn. College. First, however, the Jumbos travel to southern New Hampshire on Wednesday, facing off with a tough non-conference opponent in Keene State.
While just 8-7 this year, the Owls have been a pesky opponent for NESCAC teams this year, playing Middlebury and Williams to close losses, and will look to create some momentum of their own with a win on Wednesday. The Jumbos seem to be firing on all cylinders but must not get caught looking past Keene to keep their streak alive.
"Midweek games are always a challenge - we're taking the game very seriously," Mehlsak said. "The last thing we want to do is lose focus for a second and not come away with a win. It's all about staying mentally tough and playing the way we all know we can."
