Looking Back (Oct. 20) | Field Hockey: Tufts 3, Williams 1
The field hockey team was at a crossroads in its NESCAC schedule heading into Saturday's game in Williamstown. The Jumbos had a major upset over Middlebury, then-No. 5 nationally and a perennial top-three finisher in the confernce, but had fallen to a weaker Amherst team 2-1 at home. They had just missed a chance at a shocker over Bowdoin, the nation's top team, also by a score of 2-1.
A win over the Ephs would have ensured at least a third-place finish in the NESCAC standings, and the Jumbos did not squander that opportunity. Tufts turned a 1-1 halftime tie into a 3-1 victory, handing Williams just its seventh home-field loss since 2002 in the process.
Although the Ephs held them to a season-low 10 shots - the team has been averaging 23 per game - the Jumbos took advantage of their opportunities, converting two of seven penalty corners for goals.
On the other end of the field, the Jumbo defense held reigning NESCAC Player of the Year Meighan McGowan scoreless. She did have a hand in her team's only goal on the day, crossing the ball to senior co-captain Charlotte VanWagenen, who squeaked it past freshman goalie Katie Hyder.
If Tufts can pull out a victory over Conn. College this weekend, it will ensure itself at least a second-place conference standing heading into the frst round of the NESCAC Tournament on Sunday.
Looking Ahead (Oct. 27) | Cross Country, NESCAC Championships
The long-awaited NESCAC Championships are finally around the corner for the men's and women's cross country teams. With the last competition for both squads coming at Oct. 13's Plansky Invitational at Williams - the same course that will host the upcoming championship meet - the runners have been preparing for this weekend's action for nearly two weeks. But despite the week off and the extra experience on the course in Williamstown, both teams will be facing conference heavyweights and will need to be at their best to come away with a title.
The Jumbo men are looking to redeem themselves after taking a dive to eighth place in the conference last year after a three-season reign as NESCAC champions. This year, the crown is the Ephs' to lose. Williams, along with Amherst and Bowdoin, outran the Jumbos in the teams' last meeting and currently leads the NESCAC bunch in the national polls, coming in at No. 14.
On the women's side, the Jumbos may have difficulties repeating last year's second-place performance. This year's championship meet will boast a slew of powerhouse teams, including the nation's No. 1 and No. 5 teams in Amherst and Williams, who look nearly untouchable.
