#9 Tufts Grabs 2-1 Victory Over Blue Field Hockey

WELLESLEY, Mass. – Tufts University clung to a 2-1 lead for over 50 minutes, as the visiting Jumbos pulled out a non-conference field hockey victory over Wellesley on Tuesday afternoon. The win improves Tufts, ranked ninth in the latest national poll, to 5-1, while the Blue slip to 4-6 on the season.

All the scoring was done in the first 24 minutes of play, as a balanced first half saw each team record four shots. Tufts capitalized on two opportunities, first in the sixth minute when Kelsey Perkins deflected a shot from Lindsay Griffith into the cage. The goal came on a third attempt, with Blue keeper Brit Mscisz picking up saves on the initial shots.

The Jumbos then pushed the score to 2-0, after a misplayed ball from a Blue defender in the circle. Wellesley swung and missed on a clear attempt, and Tufts' Chelsea Yogerst was there to tap the ball in for a two-goal Tufts advantage in the 22nd minute.

Wellesley cut the lead to 2-1 just over two minutes later.  A quick pass from Emily Lewis off of a self start caught Tufts off guard, and Whitney Reid hit a shot past two defenders and in for the goal.

Neither team would manage a score from the 24th minute on, as Tufts held on for the 2-1 victory.

The Jumbos out-shot Wellesley 7-1 in the second period, setting the final tally to 11-5 in favor of the Jumbos. Wellesley did stop Tufts on six straight penalty corners late in the period, keeping the game within reach. However, the Blue couldn't make the most of some late opportunities.

In net for the Jumbos, Mariana Zak needed just two saves to earn the victory. Wellesley's Mscisz finished the contest with four stops.

Both teams resume their conference schedules on Saturday at noon. Tufts travels to Amherst for a NESCAC battle, while Wellesley hosts NEWMAC-rival Springfield.