MEDFORD - The fifth-ranked Tufts University men's lacrosse team scored five unanswered second-half goals to come from behind and seal a 12-9 victory over Colby College in NESCAC play on Saturday afternoon at Bello Field. The Jumbo offense was led by sophomore Clem McNally (Farhills, NJ) with four goals and senior Chris Connelly (Wilton, CT) with a goal and three assists.

The Mules came into Medford with a sub-.500 record, but on the momentum of a victory against #14 Middlebury in two overtimes last week. They played excellent lacrosse, rallying behind sophomore goalie Alex Farmer (Madison, CT), who stood on his head in goal making 23 saves including several on point-blank shots. The Mule offense was guided by junior Drew Piekarskis (East Sandwich, MA) hat-trick and senior Rory Murphys (East Brunswick ME) two goals and assist.

Colby took an early 1-0 lead when senior James Brady (East Walpole, MA) scored an unassisted goal at the 11:05 mark. Tufts would answer with unassisted goals by junior Connor Ginsberg (New Haven, CT) at 9:02 and Connelly at 3:52 of the first period. Tufts took a 3-1 lead early in the second period on a break-away clear from sophomore long-pole Jordan Yarboro (Herndon, VA), his second goal in the last three games. Colby would battle back, as they did all afternoon, to take a 6-5 lead into intermission. Murphy scored twice in the second quarter.

Tufts flexed its muscle in the second half with a five-goal spurt that spanned the entire third quarter and the beginning of the fourth. McNally was the catalyst, netting three of his four goals in the sequence. With Tufts staked to a 10-6 lead early in the fourth quarter, Colby took some momentum back by becoming more physical. Piekarski netted two straight goals for the Mules to close the gap to 10-8, but McNally scored his fourth of the day and Tufts sophomore goalie Matt Harrigan (Darnestown, MD) shut the door with crucial saves (14 total) and a key clear in the end.

The Jumbos (7-1, 4-0 NESCAC) remained unbeaten in the conference with the victory. Colby dropped to 2-5 and 1-3 NESCAC.

Colby (2-5, 1-3) 1 5 0 3 = 9
Tufts (7-1, 4-0) 2 3 3 4 = 12

Goals:
T, Clem McNally 4, Mark Warner 2, Chase Bibby 1, Chris Connelly 1, Connor Ginsberg 1, Stephen Ginsberg 1, Michael Ludwig 1, Jordan Yarboro 1.
C, Drew Piekarski 3, Rory Murphy 2, Ryan Scott 2, Dan Schupack1, James Brady1.

Assists:
T, Connelly 3, C. Ginsberg 2, Alex Bezdek 1, Warner 1.
C, Caddy Brooks 3, Todd Boertzel 1, Murphy 1.

Saves:
C, Alex Farmer (60:00 - 12 GA) 23 saves.
T, Matt Harrigan (60:00 - 9 GA) 14 saves.

2007-04-07