GLASSBORO, NJ (November 12, 2022) - The No. 6 Tufts University field hockey team lost 2-1 to Messiah University today in the NCAA Tournament Second Round played at Rowan University.
After falling behind 2-0 in the third quarter,
Hannah Biccard got the Jumbos on the board with her first goal of the season. With less than two minutes left in the third quarter, Biccard picked up a bouncing ball inside the circle and beat her defender to shoot a backhand shot that found the back of the goal.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Falcons got on the board when Kelsey Hetzel scored off a Messiah corner. The goal was her sixth of the season. The Jumbo responded after going down 1-0, as they were awarded six corners. The best chance for Tufts came when
Mia D'Angelo fed
Reegan McCluskey at the top of the circle and her shot was saved by Catie Brubaker. Messiah would lead at halftime, 1-0.
The Falcons would add a second goal in the third quarter after they were awarded a penalty stroke that Lauren Seubert scored. Biccard's goal several minutes later gave the Jumbos new life as it brought them within a goal. Heading to the fourth quarter, the Jumbos trailed 2-1.
In the fourth, Tufts had a great opportunity, but Brubaker made one of her seven saves on the day to keep the Falcons ahead. The Jumbos were awarded two other corners in the final quarter, but were unable to tie the game. Messiah would hold on to win and advance to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals.
Tufts ends the season at 13-7. McCluskey led all Tufts players in shots with six and all six were on goal. Both
Gabby Sousa and
Jackie McCarthy recorded defensive saves in the game. The Jumbos held a 12-6 advantage in shots along with having 13 corners to Messiah's four.
Messiah is now 17-2 on the season. They will face host Rowan University tomorrow at 1:00 PM in the NCAA Tournament "Elite 8". Hetzel and Madi Johnson led the Falcons with two shots on the day. Brubaker made seven saves in the game including four in the second half.
Â
Written by Ryan Daly, Athletic Communications Intern
                                                                                                            --JUMBOS--
Â
