Tina Tobin '12

MEDFORD, Mass. -- The Tufts University Jumbos used a goal in each half en route to a 2-0 decision over the Bates College Bobcats in NESCAC women's soccer action on Homecoming Day Saturday afternoon at Bello Field.

With the victory, the Jumbos are 4-0-0 on the season and 3-0-0 in NESCAC play. Bates falls to 1-4-0 overall and 0-3-0 in the NESCAC.

First-year Jamie Love-Nichols notched her first career goal in the first half in the 34th minute when she went one-on-one against the Bates keeper and slipped the ball into the net. The Jumbos used their strong defense to keep the Bobcats away from net, allowing just two shots by Bates one apiece by first-years Amanda Gifford (Lee, Maine) and Courtney Talcott (Millbury, Mass.), one of which was saved by Tufts starting keeper Kate Minnehan.

The second half saw the Jumbos add an insurance tally on Sarah Nolet's goal, as she took a pass from Alix Michael and deposited the ball into the net in the 60th minute of play. Bates was unable to record a shot in the second half.

The goalie combination of Minnehan and sophomore Hannah Jacobs shut the Bobcats out, and the Jumbos still have yet to let up a goal all season. Minnehan recorded the only save of the day for the Jumbos. Sophomore Brittney French (Auburn, Maine) went all 90 minutes for the Bobcats in net, allowing both goals while making one save.

Bates plays a NESCAC game at rival Bowdoin College on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

STATS: Tufts 2, Bates 0