Matt Blumenthal, Men's Soccer
The Jumbos hadn't scored a goal against the Lord Jeffs since the 2006-07 men's soccer season. But with 18 minutes to play in a scoreless draw, Tufts junior midfielder Matt Blumenthal gave Amherst its first deficit of the season.
Blumenthal took a shot that an Amherst defender blocked on contact. The ball came back to Blumenthal, who laced the rebound into the upper left side of the Amherst goal from just outside the 18-yard box.
It was Blumenthal's first goal of the season, coming off a team-leading two goals and one assist last year. Last year, Amherst defeated Tufts 4-0.
Although Amherst scored the equalizer minutes later, Tufts earning a point at Amherst could prove important in the push to make the NESCAC tournament.
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Melissa Burke, Field Hockey
Senior forward Melissa Burke took two shots on goal on Friday at Amherst, and she made both count. The No. 3 nationally ranked field hockey team won 3-0, with Burke scoring the decisive first goal 9:20 in and sealing the game with a final goal in the 63rd minute.
Burke capitalized on a fortuitous rebound opportunity for her first goal, following a Sarah Cannon shot off a penalty corner. The junior was denied on a stick save by Amherst's goalkeeper, but Burke scooped the ball up and rocketed a shot to the far post that gave Tufts a 1-0 lead.
Burke took advantage of another opportunity when the Jumbos found themselves on a man advantage, and Burke notched her second unassisted goal of the game.
She now has three goals on only six shots this season, tying for the team lead in points with NESCAC Player of the Year Tamara Brown.
The Jumbos have relied on a stellar defense that has allowed only one goal thus far, but Burke and Brown have provided enough offense to get the team off to a 3-0 start.
