MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – The Bowdoin field hockey team defeated Tufts 3-1 for the second time in as many weeks to punch its ticket to the NESCAC Championship game.
The Polar Bears (14-3) return to the finals for the 13
th time in program history. The Jumbos (13-4) entered the post-season as the number two seed in the conference.
Game Highlights
- The Polar Bears converted on their first shot of the game, off a penalty corner late in the opening period. Faith Jennings received a pass from the top of the circle and carried into the circle before finding Abby Bashaw on the back right post.
- Five minutes into the second period, Bowdoin doubled its lead. Jennings carried the ball down the left side of the circle and carved towards post. Jennings slipped a past to the Manveer Sandhu on the right side for the 2-0 lead.
- Tufts got on the board with 3:23 remaining in the frame. Melissa Manzello inserted on a penalty corner to Beth Krikorian. Krikorian dished right to Reegan McCluskey who carried a couple steps before firing a shot and finding the boards.
- The Jumbos continued to pressure Bowdoin's defense, with Maddie Ferrucci making lead-preserving diving stick save off a shot by Gillian Roeca midway through the third.
- Georgie Coetzer scored a final insurance goal for Bowdoin with eight minutes left in the game. Caroline Higgins inserted to Sandhu at the top, who slipped the ball left to Coezter. Coezter drove the ball through traffic and into Tufts' net.
By the Numbers
- Tufts held an 18-5 shot advantage and 14-3 edge in penalty corners.
- Ferrucci made eight saves in net for the Polar Bears.
Up Next
- The Polar Bears return to the conference finals for the 13th year. Bowdoin will face top-ranked Middlebury at noon. The Polar Bears and Panthers have met in seven previous championship games with Bowdoin holding a 4-3 advantage over Middlebury all-time.
