MEDFORD, MA (November 8, 2026) – A pair of third-quarter goals by sophomore sensation Eleanor Helm lifted the top-seeded Tufts University field hockey team to a 2-0 victory over #2 seed Middlebury College in the 2026 NESCAC Championship Game today at Ounjian Field.

Head coach Tina Mattera's Jumbos won their fourth conference title, joining the 2024, 2016 and 2009 teams. Tufts remained unbeaten (18-0) and is expected to be named a Regional host for the NCAA Tournament when the field is announced this evening. Those games would be played next weekend (Nov. 14-15) at Ounjian.

Middlebury fell to 15-3 and has a good chance to host NCAA games next weekend as well.

The two rivals, who were playing each other in the NESCAC final for the fifth time, played a very tightly contested first half. Both teams attempted just two shots (one on goal each), and neither earned a corner in the first 30 minutes.

Tufts' first corner of the game two minutes into the second half would put the hosts ahead. Senior Lilly Ragusa inserted out to classmate Katarina Villa at the left curve of the circle, where she slashed a shot toward the goal. Helm's deflection was initially stopped by Middlebury senior goalie Izzy Redzic, but the ball's momentum continued on over the goalie and into the cage for a 1-0 Jumbo lead.

Tufts maintained pressure and would get another one seven minutes later. Villa again helped set it up when the ball deflected to her at the dotted line. Her pass into the circle deflected slightly off a Middlebury defender and went to an open Helm at the left post where she tapped in a backhander with 5:48 to go in the third.

Middlebury had its most sustained pressure early in the fourth period. Sophomore Addie Chandler's attempt was stuffed at the right post by Tufts senior goalie Isabel Ginns. The Panthers would earn three corners soon after, with the third producing a shot by junior Emma McCann that was saved by Ginns.

The Panthers pulled Redzic for an extra player with eight minutes left in regulation, and 90 seconds later the Jumbos were whistled for a green card. Middlebury wasn't able to use the advantage though, and Tufts closed out the victory.

The Jumbos finished with an 11-5 advantage in shots (6-3 on goal), while Middlebury led 3-2 on corners. Ginns stopped three shots while earning her eighth shutout of the season (the team's ninth). Redzic had four saves for the Panthers.

Helm's two goals gave her 20 on the season, the fourth-best total in team history.

The victory was Tufts' 23rd in a row overall, dating back to their opening-round victory in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Jumbos made a run to win the NCAA DIII trophy last year and will open their defense of the title on Saturday.