MEDFORD, Mass. – The No. 15 Swarthmore College field hockey team battled top-ranked Tufts University on Saturday afternoon but ultimately fell at the defending national champion Jumbos, 1-0, in the NCAA Round of 16.
The Garnet became just the second team this season to hold Tufts to one goal or less but the Jumbos' defense proved too stingy as Swarthmore had just three shots on cage. The Garnet defense kept Swarthmore in the game, withstanding 37 shot attempts with 20 of them being on target.
Josie Sarno had another outstanding showing, making a career-high 19 saves to give the Garnet a chance at the upset.
Swarthmore finishes its historic season with a 13-8 record. The Garnet reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996, hosting and winning a contest for the first time.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Jumbos showed off their might and dominated the first half, outshooting Swarthmore 22-1 over the opening 30 minutes. The Garnet's lone opportunity was blocked by the defense. Sarno stood tall with 10 saves in the cage but Tufts broke through in the 29
th minute, converting on a penalty corner to take the 1-0 lead.
- Swarthmore started to generate chances in the third, recording four shots, but the Jumbos let just one get through to the goalkeeper who kicked it aside. The Garnet added five shots in the fourth but the goalie needed to make just two stops, including one with 20 seconds remaining to secure the victory. Sarno posted nine more saves over the last two quarters, including a stop on a penalty stroke, to keep it a one-goal game.
GARNET LEADERS
Shots:
Sophie Wilchek,
Erin Coyle 2
Saves: Sarno 19
