Field hockey on a roll

The field hockey team is four games into the season, and it is clear that it is here to make a statement. About to surpass the total wins from last year's record, the Jumbos have taken the field this year with an aggressive edge.

The team's strong defense and ability to control the pace of the game has left the Brown and Blue in the comfortable position of being undefeated against NESCAC competitors.

Last year at this time, the team was left to scratch its head over the fact that they had gone winless in its first four games. What is worse is that of those four games, three had been shutouts; Tufts did not score a goal in the 2001 season until its fourth game against Colby.

The present team is a far cry away, as it is fighting and defending its way to a 2-2 mark so far.

"While it is still early in the season, it was a good sign beating two NESCAC opponents," coach Carol Rappoli said.

The difference for the team thus far can be found in the defense and the pace of the games. Last year, it was more often than not the opponents who were in control of the momentum of the game. This year, the Jumbos have taken charge on the field, particularly in their two wins against Amherst and Connecticut College.

The defense was able to shut out the Amherst Lady Jeffs, holding them to only five attempted shots and three penalty corners. Meanwhile the offense was able to take control of the game with nine attempted shots and forcing nine penalty corners.

Against the Camels, the numbers were even better, as the Jumbos out-shoot them 13-5 and had eight penalty corners versus five.

"I think this year we are playing more as a team," Rappoli said. "Also, our midfield is stronger. We have a lot more experience and we have five new kids that are talented and have been able to contribute."

Despite the early successes, the Jumbos still have some kinks to work out. A major problem for the team has been finishing their drives. Despite both defensive and offensive dominance on the field, the score for both the Amherst and Connecticut College games have been 1-0. Taking 13 shots in a game and only converting one is a precarious situation to be in, but one of which the team is aware.

"We have been very strong defensively, but we have been struggling to finish the play," Rappoli said. "We have been able to win games 1-0, but it still makes you nervous."

The team's struggle with converted shots were apparent in a 1-0 loss against non-conference rivals Wellesley. In the first half, Tufts was unable to convert any of the eight attempted shots. It was the goalies that came up big for the team, as senior Lauren Rufino made four saves and junior Julie Jackson made seven saves.

While Tufts' defense has been style, the offense has been able to control the pace of the games thus far and cut through the opponent's defense to find their shots. Finding the back of the net appears to be the missing piece of the puzzle.

But it is still early in the season, and the Jumbos are still sitting pretty. The team is working hard to remedy their problems, focusing in practice on "shooting, shooting, and more shooting," Rappoli said.

This weekend will be chocked full of opportunity for the Jumbos to prove themselves. The team will travel tomorrow afternoon to Wheaton, whose record for the season so far is 3-3. Historically, Tufts has always had close matches against Wheaton, but the Jumbos have been able to pull out the win the past three years and are therefore hoping to continue the streak tomorrow.

This will be followed up with a homecoming match against NESCAC competitor Bates (2-3) at 1 p.m. Bates is in the same position as Tufts this year, coming off a 2-11 season with something to prove.

"The Bates game will be even more difficult [than Wheaton]," Rappoli said. "They also have two wins against NESCAC competitors and they are coming off a 6-1 thrashing of Trinity so they are very excited."

Despite the challenge, the team is more than ready to show their stuff, and is planning no change in their game strategy.

"We are just going to concentrate on what we do," Rappoli said