MEDFORD (September 2, 2025) – The Tufts University offense scored three goals in the second half and the defense did not allow a shot attempt as the Jumbo field hockey team opened a new season with a 3-0 victory against Wellesley College tonight at Ounjian Field.
First-year
Eleanor Helm made her collegiate debut a memorable one, scoring a goal and an assist for the Jumbos (1-0). Junior
Claire Casey was a leader of the defensive effort while also scoring on a penalty stroke. Junior
Lilly Ragusa also had a goal for the Jumbos, who won their season-opener for the 12th-straight season.
The Jumbos, ranked #2 nationally to start the year, dominated the first half with a 17-0 advantage in shots and 10-0 in corners. However, Wellesley sophomore Hannah Simmonds made 10 saves in the first 30 minutes (eight in the first quarter) and the game went to halftime at 0-0.
Tufts broke through six minutes into the second half when Helm maneuvered nicely along the right end line. She passed out front to Ragusa who blasted home the game's first goal.
Up 1-0 heading into the fourth quarter, the Jumbos took advantage when they were awarded a stroke during a corner opportunity barely one minute into the fourth. Casey delivered and the Jumbos led 2-0.
Helm then cleaned up the rebound of a shot by junior
Reagan Malo from the left side of the net with four minutes remaining in regulation to put Tufts ahead 3-0.
Tufts finished with advantages of 36-0 in shots and 19-0 in corners. Tonight marked the first time Tufts held an opponent to 0 shots since October 5 of last season when they blanked Trinity 35-0 during a 3-0 victory.
Simmonds finished with 16 saves in the Wellesley cage. The visitors fell to 0-2 with the loss.
Next up for Tufts is an early-season showdown in NESCAC play against fourth-ranked Williams College on Saturday at home.
--JUMBOS--
