Box Score MEDFORD - The 6-2-1 Jumbos controlled play in their 1-0 win against the 6-3-3 Endicott College Gulls and recorded their sixth win of the season. Jess Capone was the only scorer of the game, earning her fifth of the season, which ties her with Brooke Fortin for first in goals on the team.
Tufts carried possession during the first 45 looking sharp while playing balls to feet and exhibiting patience. An early deficit loomed for the Gulls when just five minutes in Mariah Harvey-Brown volleyed a lofted ball to Capone who beat two defenders and got off a low strike that beat Gulls goalkeeper Katie Donnelly, but Capone was deemed offsides.
Carla Kruyff blasted a corner kick to the far post locating her intended target Catharine Greer who headed it back towards the middle of the six where Capone attempted to redirect it at goal, but Donnelly was there for the save.
Forward Paige Marinelli had the best scoring chance for the Gulls when fellow forward Jessica Joseph sent her a through ball, but Tufts goalie Eileen McGarry was there to swallow up the low bouncer.
The Jumbos had Endicott on their heels to end the half. Under two minutes to go, Allie Weiller turned toward goal near the right side of the 18 and she found Victoria Stoj at the top of the box. Stoj's low shot was bobbled by Donnelly, but she was able to cover it up before any Jumbos could reach it.
Donnelly recorded six saves in the half to keep the game scoreless.
The second frame began much like how the first one ended. The ball lived in the Jumbos' attacking third and as a result of their continued pressure Tufts finally managed to break the deadlock when Stoj lofted the ball into the box where Capone ran on to it and sent it towards the left post where it bounced off and into the net.
Less than two minutes later, Endicott created a dangerous chance when Marinelli sent a pretty cross from the left wing that ricocheted off several players in the box, but it ended at midfielder Rebecca Litwin's feet. Her close-range shot was gobbled up by the diving effort of McGarry.
The Gulls produced another solid opportunity with under ten to play when Joseph passed the ball to forward Madison McKinley who dribbled it along the top of the 18 before ripping a curving ball towards the right upper 90, but it sailed just high.
Tufts had 23 shots compared to Endicott's eight. Donnelly ended the contest with ten saves and McGarry notched her fourth shutout.
The Jumbos, who are ranked sixth in the NESCAC, take to the road this weekend for a pair of crucial conference games. They face Connecticut College, third in the NESCAC, on Saturday at noon and Trinity College on Sunday at 1pm. Endicott travels to Western New England College for a 1:30pm kickoff on Saturday.
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