Fourth Ranked Field Hockey Suffers First Set Back of Season in 2-1 Loss to #11 Amherst

Dominique Zarrella scored her sixth goal of the season on Saturday.

MEDFORD – With an two assists and two defensive saves Amherst junior Annie Turnbull helped the #11 Lord Jeffs upset #4 Tufts on Homecoming at Bello Field Saturday afternoon.  The two goals are the first two of the season the Jumbos have given up this year.

The Jumbos (6-1, 3-1 NESCAC) got on the board first with a goal from sophomore Dominique Zarrella just over three minutes into the first period.  Sophomore Elle Chrupcala unleashed a shot that deflected off Amherst keeper Emily Horowitz and Zarrella knocked the ball in for the first tally of the game.  

Twenty minutes into the first half the Jumbos had another great opportunity to score, but Turnbull made a diving save on a shot from senior co-captain Brittany Norfleet to keep the score 1-0.  Despite, fast and aggressive play from both teams, the score would remain the same until Amherst was able to even the score with about seven minutes remaining in the first period.  Senior Madeline Tank was able get the ball past Jumbo keeper Bri Keenan to even the score at one.

The two teams would trade scoring opportunities in the second half, but neither team was able to take the advantage.  Turnbull made her second defensive save just over three minutes into the second half to keep the score locked at one off a shot from Zarrella.  

Amherst took the advantage with just under seven minutes left in the game.  Keenan came out to make a save and junior Annika Nygren was able to put the ball past her to score and give the Lord Jeffs the 2-1 lead.  The assist came from first-year Elizabeth Turnbull.

Tufts finished with the advantage in shots, 16-8, and penalty corners, 5-3.  Horwitz earned the win in the cage for Amherst with nine saves.  Keenan broke her six game shutout streak, giving up her first two goals of the season, with one save in the loss.

Amherst (6-2, 3-2 NESCAC) has little time to rest as they will be back in action on Sunday with a 1:00 pm NESCAC match up with Bates.  The Jumbos will be back in action this coming Thursday when they host University of New England for a 5:00pm contest.