MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- Tufts University (5-1, 3-1 NESCAC), ranked seventh nationally in Division III, scored five goals in a span of 3:32 during the first half to move out to a 5-1 lead 10 minutes into the game and never looked back in defeating homestanding Wesleyan University (3-4, 1-3), 17-6.

Tufts improved its all-time record vs. Wesleyan to 27-5 though the teams had split the last six meetings with none of the games decided by more than three goals.

This time, Tufts turned back the clock and tried to match the greatest margin of victory in the series, set in 1987 when Tufts won 17-3, a score that was matched in 1995. In 2001, Tufts planted a 10-goal loss on Wesleyan with a 14-4 decision in Middletown.

After taking a four-goal lead, Tufts steadily advanced its lead to a 14-4 differential at intermission. Despite the 18 first-half goals, it took the teams more than 12 minutes to crack the ice during the second half as Tufts scored twice for the game's largest lead at 16-4 with 10:08 remaining. Wesleyan scored two of the last three goals to make it a 17-6 final.

Leading Tufts with five goals on the day was senior Courtney Thomas, upping her seasonal total to 14. Senior Chrissie Attura collected six points on the day with a pair of goals and four assists as she assumed team scoring leadership with 24 points (8-16-24).

Sophomore Amanda Roberts added to her scoring with a pair of goals to give her a team-high 18 this season. Starting goalie sophomore Sara Bloom made nine saves during her 50 minutes in the Jumbo net. Freshman Alexis Germain handled the final 10 minutes with three stops.

Wesleyan had six different goal scorers in the game while sophomore Allie Lynch had three points, all assists.

Wesleyan plays again on Sunday, hosting Wheaton College while Tufts will be at Bates for a NESCAC contest Wed., April 1 in its next outing.

2009-03-28