The Tufts field hockey team’s exceptional season concluded in heartbreak with a 2-1 defeat against Middlebury College in the highly contested 2024 NCAA Division III championship match, held on November 24 at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.
Trailing 2-0 in the tense fourth quarter, the resilient Jumbos mounted a fierce comeback, ignited by a crucial goal from Kylie Rosenquest, which narrowed the deficit to 2-1. For the next four minutes, Tufts ramped up the pressure in the Panther’s defensive zone, desperately seeking the equalizer, but Middlebury’s defense held firm as they successfully managed to run out the clock and secure the championship.
Middlebury, boasting a remarkable record of 19-2, celebrated their seventh consecutive national championship and their eighth title in nine years. Meanwhile, Tufts, appearing in its fifth NCAA final, closed out the season with an impressive 19-3 record.
After a tense first half that ended without any score, the Panthers broke the deadlock with just 2:10 left in the third quarter, taking a critical 1-0 lead. Five minutes into the fourth quarter, they further extended their advantage to 2-0, which placed immense pressure on the Jumbos.
In true demonstration of their character, the Jumbos responded swiftly. During a well-executed corner play, Lainie Pearson expertly passed the ball to the right to Rosenquest. With precision and poise, Rosenquest took a quick step and delivered a sharp shot into the open right side of the cage with just under ten minutes remaining in regulation, bringing Tufts within striking distance.
Although Tufts held possession on the Middlebury side during crucial moments that followed, they struggled to generate another shot on goal. The Panthers swayed the momentum in their favor for the final five minutes, successfully controlling the pace of the game as they ran down the clock to clinch their hard-fought victory.
The Jumbos effectively negated all of Middlebury’s 10 corner attempts throughout the match, with goalkeeper Lydia Eastburn standing tall. Early in the game, Eastburn showcased her skills by thwarting a shot from Grace Keefe during the Panthers’ first corner opportunity. Tufts also had a promising corner chance in the first quarter, though Andrea DelGiudice’s shot just missed the mark, sailing wide.
At halftime, Middlebury significantly outshot Tufts 9-2 and held a 7-1 advantage in corners, yet the Jumbo defense exhibited resilience, anchored by Eastburn, who made four key saves during the first half. The Panthers wrapped up the contest with a 13-4 edge in shots and a 10-2 lead in corners. Eastburn ended the game with four saves, while the Panthers’ Madeline DeLemme managed to make one save.
This loss marked the end of what was otherwise a stellar season for the Jumbos. Under the guidance of head coach Tina Mattera, the team claimed the NESCAC championship title for the first time since 2016 and made a notable return to the NCAA championship game for the first time since 2018. The Jumbos enjoyed an unbeaten streak on their home turf at Ounjian Field, finishing the season with a perfect 12-0 record, including an impressive 13-game winning streak that featured four consecutive victories by shootout leading into the NCAA tournament.
How do you plan to leverage the experience from this championship loss to motivate and prepare your team for next season?
**Interview with Tufts Field Hockey Coach Tina Mattera Following NCAA Championship Defeat**
**Interviewer:** Coach Mattera, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today after such a hard-fought match. Your team put in a remarkable effort, especially in the final quarter. Can you share your thoughts on how the team responded after falling behind 2-0?
**Coach Mattera:** Thank you for having me. I’m incredibly proud of the way our players responded. After falling behind, they showed tremendous resilience and determination. Our goal from Kylie Rosenquest not only reignited our spirits but also demonstrated our capability to fight until the very end. It was a defining moment that showcased their grit and character.
**Interviewer:** The match was quite tactical, especially in the first half. What adjustments did you make to your strategy after Middlebury scored their first goal late in the third quarter?
**Coach Mattera:** We realized we needed to be more aggressive and take more risks. Our defense had to be solid, but we knew we had to push forward to create scoring opportunities. I encouraged the team to maintain possession and apply consistent pressure in their defensive zone, which we did especially well after scoring our goal. It was all about trying to find that equalizer.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned the importance of this group throughout the season. As you conclude the year with a strong 19-3 record and a trip to the NCAA finals, what do you think this experience means for the program moving forward?
**Coach Mattera:** This experience is invaluable. Reaching the NCAA finals for the fifth time and showcasing our talent on such a big stage speaks volumes about the commitment of our players and coaching staff. We may be disappointed right now, but this will only fuel our drive for next season. We have a strong core of returning players, and I believe they will use this experience to push themselves even further.
**Interviewer:** Middlebury has established itself as a powerhouse in field hockey. How do you view the competition moving forward, and what steps will Tufts take to elevate its game in the future?
**Coach Mattera:** Middlebury’s success is impressive, and they set a high bar in Division III field hockey. Our focus will be on refining our skills and tactics during the offseason. We’ll need to continue to recruit talented players who fit our system and foster a competitive environment that challenges everyone. Our goal is to not only compete with teams like Middlebury but to ultimately be on top.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Mattera. Your insights into this intense match and the season as a whole are greatly appreciated. Best of luck with the future of the program!
**Coach Mattera:** Thank you! We appreciate your support and look forward to what’s ahead.
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This hypothetical interview sheds light on the Tufts field hockey team’s resilient spirit in the face of a tough championship loss, while also highlighting plans for future growth and competition in NCAA Division III field hockey.