Jess Perkins, Field Hockey - Perkins got the Jumbos off on the right foot in Sunday's NESCAC championship, scoring her first of two goals just over a minute into Tufts' 3-2 victory over Trinity. Just 1:17 into the game, Perkins and Amanda Roberts combined for a nifty give-and-go, resulting in Perkins' slotting a shot past Trinity's goalie to give Tufts the early lead. Less than a half an hour later, Perkins would double that lead, this time from a penalty corner assisted by Margi Scholtes. The goals were the third and fourth of the season for the junior midfielder, who finished the game with three shots.
Tufts built off of Perkins' play to take a 3-0 lead against the Bantams and held on for a 3-2 victory, in the process winning the school's first-ever NESCAC championship. Going head-to-head with Trinity keeper Gina Dinallo, who leads the NESCAC in save percentage, Perkins helped rattle the Bantams by getting Tufts on the board quicker than any other team had against Trinity this season. As the Jumbos now head into the NCAA Tournament, they will look to pick up their first-ever national title.
Pat Bailey, Football - Bailey was the driving force behind Tufts' best offensive performance of the year, gaining huge numbers of yards rushing, receiving and returning kicks. On the ground, Bailey gained 109 yards on just 12 carries — good for an impressive 9.1 average — highlighted by a 94-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter to give Tufts a 21-7 lead. The touchdown was one of two rushing scores on the day for Bailey, with the other coming on a four-yard scamper in the first quarter.
Through the air, Bailey once again proved to be one of Tufts' most reliable and dynamic options, hauling in seven catches and racking up 74 yards. As if that weren't enough, Bailey also handled the majority or the returns for Tufts, totaling 11 punt return yards and 99 kick return yards, including a 48-yard return. Despite Bailey's efforts, the Jumbos lost to Colby in a 34-31 shootout.
