Field hockey shuts out Connecticut college

The Tufts field hockey team came back after Wednesday's disappointing loss to Wellesley with a 1-0 victory over the Connecticut College Camels on Saturday. The NESCAC game improved the Jumbos' record to 2-2 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

Tufts stepped up its level of play from Wednesday and managed to control the pace for most of the competition. Connecticut had several chances early in the first half, but the Jumbos managed to clear the ball from their zone and quickly counterattack. Crisp passes and quality attacks were the backbone of the Tufts offense.

The team "passed much better and had better combinations" than in past games coach Carol Rappoli said.

Despite sharp play and high energy, the game remained scoreless for the better part of the first half. The Camels maintained a tight central defense and thwarted three penalty corner opportunities for the Jumbos with clears deep in their territory. Connecticut's goalie made several outstanding saves as well, to the frustration of the Tufts offense.

The first and only goal of the game came on a pass combination deep in the Connecticut zone. Sophomore Dana Panzer and senior captain Laura Hacker each hit laser passes in front of the goal leading up to the finish by senior Capitan Dana Chivvis.

"It was a perfect setup and I had an open shot," Chivvis said.

In the second half, both teams continued the intense style of play which they established in the first thirty-five minutes. Possession often shifted from one team to the other due to physical play in the neutral areas of the field. Tufts nearly scored its second goal of the match on a pass combination by Hacker and Panzer.

Eventually, play became too rough for the referees' liking and green cards were issued to Chivvis and a Connecticut player. The Jumbos did not hang back, however, and continued to control the game.

"Connecticut just didn't know what to do with us," Chivvis said.

Saturday's victory was very much a team effort. Freshmen Jeanne Grabowski and Lea Napolitano contributed with aggression and fast-paced movement on the ball. Napolitano was especially strong up the middle with several steals and drives through the Connecticut defenders. Junior Kelly Sarson played tenacious defense halting Camel attackers and clearing the ball to the outside. Even the goal was the result of an unselfish pass combination between three players.

"[We] played very well together and pulled [ourselves] out of the low spots," Chivvis said.

Despite the win, the team was not satisfied with its offensive output and intends to focus on offense during practice.

"The focus of this week will definitely be finishing," Rappoli said.

The Jumbos' victory over Connecticut places them atop the NESCAC field hockey standings with two wins and no losses in conference play. This is a vast improvement from last year's meager single triumph in the league.

Tufts will play non-conference opponent Wheaton away at 4:30 p.m. on Thursda