Field Hockey Opens 2014 Season with 4-0 Shutout of Bates

Dominique Zarrella had a goal and an assist against Bates on Saturday.

MEDFORD – The No. 7 Tufts field hockey team got off to a quick start and never looked back.  The Jumbos scored 15 minutes into the first period and cruised to a 4-0 win over NESCAC-foe Bates on Bello Field Saturday afternoon.  The contest was the season opener for both squads.

Sophomore Dominique Zarrella struck first for the Jumbos 15:07 into the game with the assist coming from senior co-captain Brittany Norfleet.  Just over six minutes later junior Maggie Chapman made it 2-0 with her first goal of the season, assisted by sophomore Ashlyn Savage.  The Jumbos were able to unleash 12 shots before the Bobcats got one of their own and went into the half with an 18-1 shot advantage over the visitors.

The second half was similar to the first except the Jumbos wasted no time adding to their lead.  Just over three minutes into the second half junior Rachel Terveer found the back of the cage off a pass from Zarrella to give the Jumbos the 3-0 advantage.  Sophomore Annie Artz made it 4-0 with just about eight minutes remaining in the game with her first goal of the season with the assist coming from Terveer.

The Jumbos held the shot advantage steadily throughout the game, finishing with 29 shots to Bates' 3.  Tufts was awarded 18 penalty corners to Bates' five.  Both Terveer and Zarrella finished with a goal and assist apiece to lead the Jumbos.

Senior co-captain Bri Keenan earned the shutout in the cage, the 15th of her career, with two saves.  For the Bobcats, the cage duties were split between junior Christina Vega and Katie Knox.  Vega was in the cage for the first half and registered sevens saves, while Knox worked the second half and came up with five saves.

Tufts is now 1-0 on the season with a 1-0 NESCAC mark.  It was also the season opener for Bates who is 0-1 overall and 0-1 in NECSAC play.  The Jumbos are back in action on Tuesday when they travel to take on local rival Babson at 6:00 pm. The Bobcats will host NESCAC rival Hamilton on Saturday, September 13 at 12:00 pm.

Following the game both the Jumbos and the Bobcats gave a clinic to the Big Sisters of Boston who were in attendance watching the game.  Players were able to instruct young players on the basic of field hockey.

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