MEDFORD -- Sophomore Courtney Thomas (Needham, MA) scored four times as the Tufts women's lacrosse team earned its first NESCAC victory of the 2007 season, 13-9, against Connecticut College on Wednesday afternoon at Bello Field.

Thomas scored 1:10 into the game to give Tufts a 1-0 lead, with an assist from senior co-captain Lauren Murphy (Hingham, MA). Thomas' second goal at 11:01 of the first half started a three-goal Tufts run that turned a 3-3 tie into a 6-3 Tufts lead at halftime. The Jumbos would lead by at least two goals the rest of the way. They improved to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in NESCAC, while the Camels fell to 1-3 and 0-2.

Connecticut College kept it tight and was within 8-6 on a goal by Angela Keller (New York, NY) at 22:52 of the second half. However, Tufts scored three straight goals and five of the next six goals to take a 13-7 advantage nearing the 10-minute mark. Five different Jumbos scored during this stretch that gave the hosts control of the game. First-year Sara Christopher (Andover, MA) and junior Sarah Miner (Fairfield, CT) scored 39 seconds apart late in the game as Connecticut attempted to mount a late surge, but the Jumbos played keep-away in the closing minute to seal the victory.

Murphy returned to the line-up with two goals and an assist for Tufts. Junior Alyssa Corbett (Malvern, PA) and first-year Jenna Abelli (Framingham, MA) also scored two goals for the winners. Senior goalie Tracy Rittenour (Duxbury, MA) entered the game with the score tied at 2-2 and made seven saves to earn the victory.

Christopher scored three goals to lead the Connecticut College attack. Miner had a goal and two assists, while junior tr-captain Lindsey Coit (South Portland, ME) tallied two goals. First-year Jenna Ross (Longmeadow, MA) was solid in goal with 11 saves.

2007-03-28