The last time Middlebury Field Hockey faced Tufts was last year’s National Championship title game, with the Panthers taking home a seventh consecutive national championship after a hard-fought 2–1 victory. Over the weekend the two teams met again, but this time the result fell against the Panthers.
Prior to the game, Middlebury was 5–2 in conference play. Tufts, on the other hand, was 7–1. The stakes were high, and as starter Emma McNealy ’28 confirmed.
“There’s definitely an added edge when it comes to playing Tufts,” McNealy said.
Midfielder Abby Weidner ’27 agreed. “It’s always expected to be an intense, tough, matchup between two very strong teams,” Weidner said. “Many of us know or have played with members of the Tufts team, as with many other NESCAC teams, which always adds to the competitive atmosphere.”
Those expectations held true. After a scoreless opening quarter, Tufts recorded the first goal on a corner at the game’s 26-minute mark. The Middlebury team had generated several offensive corners just minutes prior, but were unable to capitalize on their chances.
While team stats remained relatively equal throughout the first half, the Panthers outshot Tufts in both the third and fourth quarter, registering 10 and eight shots respectively. In total, Middlebury had 21 shots (10 on goal), while Tufts only had nine (six on goal). The Panthers’ shooting stats on Saturday reflect a broader team trend, with Middlebury having the highest shot count this season compared to the rest of the NESCAC. Nonetheless, it was Tufts who took full advantage of their opportunities.
Regarding corners, some of the best scoring opportunities for an offensive side like Middlebury, the Panthers, drew 15 compared to Tufts’ three.
Tufts’ second goal came early in the fourth quarter off an interception on Middlebury’s 25-yard line. With the Jumbos leading 2–0, Middlebury was quick to respond. The Panthers scored from a corner just three minutes later, with Emma McCann ’28 tallying her fifth goal of the season.
Tensions remained high throughout the rest of the quarter. The two sides played with grit and power, the Panthers eager to secure a lifeline while Tufts chased a decisive third goal. In the end, even with the significant shot differential and an aggressive final push from the Panthers, it was the Tufts team that walked away with a hard-fought 2–1 victory.
Despite the loss to Tufts, McNealy said that it was the best game that our team has played this season.
“It was a collaborative, gritty effort, one which we’re looking forward to continuing in these last two games,” Weidner said. “The biggest compliment you can give your teammates is to expect results and that’s exactly what we plan to do leading into our next games.”
The energy, grit and expectations are exactly what is needed to propel the Panthers heading into their final matches of the season.
Another motivating factor for this team has been the defensive corner unit. McNealy reflected that they have been remarkable this season, accrediting this strength to first-year assistant coach Lisa McNamara. McNamara previously played at Providence College, and McNealy notes that she “has brought a new intentionality and passion to the [defensive] unit.”
The Panthers squad has two NESCAC games left: Bates at home this Saturday and Williams away the following Tuesday. Both Bates and Williams lost to Tufts earlier this season, and Bates currently sits four spots ahead of Middlebury in the national rankings at sixth. The Bobcats and Ephs are strong teams who have played Middlebury close in the past, but it is nothing the defending national champions can’t handle.
