Tufts field hockey took on Hamilton College in a conference matchup on Sunday and came away with a convincing 4–0 win. Fresh off of a 4–2 victory over the Bates Bobcats on Saturday, the Jumbos carried their momentum and stuck to their game plan, which led them to success. After this successful NESCAC double-header, the Jumbos stand at an impressive 6–1 record and a perfect 4–0 in conference play.
“We wanted to come out ready,” first-year forward Chloe Brants said. “Right when the game started, we wanted to be playing our best.”
The team lived up to this simple set of expectations, scoring early and maintaining a high-energy atmosphere for the entire game. Players contributed to that spirited environment whether in the thick of the action on the astroturf or providing support from the bench.
“I cheer so loud on the sidelines, it’s so much fun,” Brants said. “It elevates the energy on the field, and it’s encouraging.”
Senior forward Gillian Roeca spearheaded the victory charge, scoring twice and getting ahead of the Continentals within the first eight minutes. Senior forward Claire Foley extended the lead to three in the third period, and junior midfielder Reegan McCluskey put the game solidly out of reach, adding a fourth goal in the final period. Junior goalkeeper Sam Gibby kept the Jumbos comfortable with two saves. These efforts combined allowed the Jumbos to walk away with a 4–0 win on their senior day.
“The thing about our team is that everyone contributes,” Brants said. “They blow my mind. It’s not a single player, it’s every single player, which is also what helped our success.”
On Saturday, Tufts matched up with Bates and added another NESCAC win to its record with a 4–2 victory. Although Bates started off the scoring 4:30 into the game, Tufts responded just 30 seconds later with a goal from first-year forward Kylie Rosenquest, assisted by Roeca.
The Jumbos used this quick goal as fuel to their fire, adding one more in the first quarter and one in the second. Senior midfielder/defender Sophie Schoeni and Rosenquest both scored a goal and assisted each other's goals, putting Tufts up 3–1 going into halftime.
In the second half, Bates began a comeback by scoring in the third period; however, its efforts were not enough. Senior midfielder and co-captain Beth Krikorian sealed off the win for the Jumbos with a goal in the fourth quarter.
Tufts will face tough competition in two away games against Trinity and Middlebury this weekend. Middlebury is currently ranked at No. 1 in Div. III by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, with Tufts at No. 4 and Trinity at No. 5. The ranked matchups will make for exciting competition. The Jumbos will look to maintain their undefeated NESCAC record in this next double-header.
