LEWISTON, ME – The Bates College women's soccer team defeated the Tufts Jumbos for the first time in nearly 10 years, as they won by a score of 2-1 on Saturday.
The Bobcats used great hustle and clean play to get the upset. They were able to get two goals from senior Elizabeth Patrick in the first half, and that would be all the scoring they needed on the day.
The first goal came in the 12th minute of the game, as Patrick was able to steal one from the Tufts defense. She then broke free down the left side of the field and ripped a shot from about 15 yards out past the outstretched Tufts keeper
Kaelin Logue for the first goal of the game and Patrick's second goal of the season.
The Bobcats then set up another opportunity soon afterwards in the 18th minute, as Bates' Izzy Lussier followed up a free kick with a loose ball chance in front of the net. The ball got by Logue, but as it was about to trickle in Jumbo
Olivia Patz came out of nowhere and made a splendid effort, sliding across the goal line to clear the ball out and save a goal.
However, the Bobcats would set up another opportunity for themselves, and again Elizabeth Patrick was able to knock one in. The goal put Bates up 2-0, and it would remain that way as the half came to a close.
As the second half opened up, it was the Jumbos who seemed to have the momentum. Early on in the half, just two minutes in, they were able to set up a corner kick opportunity, and just another few minutes later, they got down into the Bates box and received their best scoring chance of the day.
Madelyn Silveira forced her way into the offensive end and was fouled in the box, setting up a penalty kick for
Maddie Pero. It seemed like the perfect chance for the Jumbos to get back into the game, but Pero's kick was just wide left of the net.
Finally, the Jumbos were able to score later on in the 84th minute, as the team controlled a loose ball in front of the net, and it was Silveira who was able to get a head on it and knock it in for the lone Tufts goal of the day.
As the match ended, it was Tufts who led in saves (5-2), fouls (12-10), and corner kicks (7-3). Bates led in shots, 11-8. Tufts also received the only yellow card of the game, which came in the 21st minute of the first half.
The Jumbos (8-3-1, 4-3-1 NESCAC) will look to bounce back when they're back in action against non-conference opponent UMass Boston at home on Tuesday evening. Bates (4-6-2, 1-5-2 NESCAC) will look to build off their first conference win of the year when they play non-conference Saint Joseph's on Monday night.
Written by Lucas Wlodarczyk, Athletic Communications Intern
