Box Score MEDFORD - The Tufts field hockey team christened the University's new Daniel Ounjian Field by defeating Bates College 2-0 in NESCAC action in the first game played on the Astroturf Saturday afternoon.
|
| Emily Polinsky earned the shutout in goal for Tufts |
The Jumbo defense pitched its first shutout of the season and the offense scored a goal in each half. Tufts, ranked 12th in this week's National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll, improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the league.
A much-improved Bates team fell to 2-2 overall and 1-2 in NESCAC. Bobcat goalies Adelae Durand (six saves) and Alyssa Souza (five saves) played a half each combining for 11 saves.
The action was even for the first 20 minutes of the opening half until Tufts capitalized on a corner opportunity. Freshman Shannon Yogerst was perfectly positioned for a rebound on the left side and scored her first collegiate goal with 11:30 on the clock.
Bates would get just one shot off in the first 35 minutes and it was not on goal. The Jumbos had advantages of 13-1 in shots and 6-1 on corners at the break.
The Bobcats opened the second half by grabbing the momentum. Though they pushed forward frequently, they were only able to put one shot on goal. Jessie Moriarty drilled one from the left side that Jumbo sophomore keeper Emily Polinsky kicked out seven minutes into the second half. That would be Bates' only shot on goal.
Despite being outplayed for a good portion of the second half, the Jumbos would take advantage on another offensive opportunity to double their lead. Junior Ellexa Thomas won a challenge at the top right of the offensive area and sent a pass to the middle where senior Annie Artz spun and fired one home with 9:14 remaining in regulation. The goal was the third in as many games for the Jumbo senior.
The Tufts defense did a solid job of protecting the goal as the hosts finished with a 20-3 count in shots (13-1 on goal). Along with Thomas, senior co-captain Nicole Arata, junior Celia Lewis, and sophomore Issy Del Priore were notable defenders for the Jumbos.
Polinsky earned her fourth career shutout for Tufts.
Moriarty stood out for Bates, while Taylor Lough and Delaney Nelson also played well.
Today was the first of six home games in the next seven contests for the Jumbos at Ounjian Field. They welcome Wellesley College on Tuesday at 5 pm. Bates travels to Thomas for non-conference action on Wednesday at 6 pm.
#
