Bowdoin Runs Past Tufts in Women's Lacrosse First Round
Courtesy Bowdoin Sports Information
BRUNSWICK, Maine - The Bowdoin College women's lacrosse team used a 7-0 first-half run to take a 11-3 halftime lead and eventual 14-7 win over Tufts University in the first-round of the NESCAC Tournament on Sunday afternoon. The Polar Bears (13-3) advance to next weekend's NESCAC Semifinals at Middlebury College, where they will face second-seeded Amherst. The host Panthers will play sixth-seeded Williams, who beat third-seed Colby on Sunday. Gametimes will be released on Monday.
The Jumbos (10-5) held a 2-1 lead after five minutes of play, thanks to goals from Alyssa Corbett and Lauren Murphy. Bowdoin used a quick three-goal spurt, keyed by a nifty feed from Bobbi Dennison to Jena Davis, to take a 5-2 advantage with 18 minutes left in the opening frame. Following another goal by Murphy that cut the lead to 5-3, Bowdoin exploded for seven goals in the closing 16:40 of the half to take a commanding lead.
Kate Donoghue, who finished with a game-high five goals, scored twice in the run, while Lyndsey Colburn scored a goal and had a pair of assists.
The Polar Bears capped the half with a Libby Barton goal off a pass from Grace Moore that gave the hosts an insurmountable 11-3 edge.
Stephanie Collins-Finn was forced to make only seven saves for Bowdoin, while Tufts netminder Gillian Kline was peppered with shots and made 10 saves. Brooke Nentwig scored twice for Bowdoin, while Dennison joined Colburn with a goal and two helpers. Murphy and Corbett finished with a team-high two goals apiece for the Jumbos.
With the victory, the fourth-seeded Polar Bears avenge a loss to the Jumbos in Brunswick on April 4. Bowdoin advances to the NESCAC Semifinals for the third straight year and will face Amherst for the second straight year. The Polar Bears beat Amherst 10-9 on April 1.
