Danvers' Lopez helps guide Tufts back into NCAA tournament
MEDFORD — Senior Danielle Lopez of Danvers blasted a 3-run home run to help lead the Tufts University softball team to its second straight New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) title by walloping Wesleyan, 10-3.
Lopez, a second baseman and co-captain for the Jumbos, finished by going 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and three RBIs in the title victory.
The former Danvers High standout leads Tufts in RBIs with 35 in addition to a .373 batting average, 30 runs scored and five homers on the season.
With the victory, Lopez and the Jumbos (28-9) advanced to the NCAA Division 3 Regional tournament as the No. 2 seed, where they'll face Rivier (N.H.) College tomorrow (2 p.m.) in Providence. Tufts, making its 10th NCAA tournament appearance, finished second at last year's Regionals to Rhode Island College. The NCAA championships will be held in Salem, Va., May 16-20.
