MEDFORD, MA (May 9, 2026) -- The No. 1 Tufts University men's lacrosse team started its quest for their third straight NCAA title Saturday afternoon, opening up action in the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse Tournament with a 17-9 win over visiting Rhodes College in play from Bello Field. 

The Jumbos (18-1) will now battle New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) foe Middlebury College Sunday at 7:30 p.m. in the NCAA Third Round on Bello Field after the Panthers topped Dickinson College 13-8 late Saturday evening. 

Tufts was never in danger on Saturday, as it scored the first eight goals of the game and led 12-3 at the halftime intermission. The Tufts' edge grew up to as much as 11 at 16-5 with 4:55 on a Drew Bossi tally, cruising to the win. 

Junior Chase Beyer led the way with five points on three goals and two assists, while senior Brooks Hauser tallied three goals while adding three ground balls. Senior Jack Regnery had four points as well on two goals and two helpers, and first-year Tommy McCool had a multi-goal game with two goals and an assist. 

Sophomore Davis Owens had a goal, two assists, three ground balls and two caused turnovers, and Bossi also forced two turnovers in addition to his goal and assist. 

Senior Erik Helgeson was 11-of-16 on draws Saturday, snagging eight ground balls, while first-year face-off Carter Fears went 9-of-14 with eight loose ball pick ups. Defenders Jack Donovan and Cole Friedlander each had two caused turnovers, first-year Jules Capone netted five grounders and Henry Tweedy had four ground balls and a goal. 

Tufts outshot Rhodes 68-39 for the game, while adding a massive 62-24 edge on ground balls. Each team was 1-for-3 with the extra man, while the Jumbos won 20 of the game's 30 face-offs. 

The Jumbos will look to get back to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the ninth straight season on Sunday evening.