Medford, Mass. - The #20 ranked Colby College Field Hockey team took it to the last seconds with #3 Tufts University, falling with 19 seconds remaining by a score of 3-2. 

For head coach Kelly Terwilliger, this weekend presents the greatest challenge her program has seen in a long time.  Nationally ranked for the first time since 2003 after wins over conference opponents Conn College and #17 Trinity, the Mules entered a road weekend where they play two NESCAC opponents in two days.  First up was Tufts.  

The Jumbos started hot and flexed their muscle right off the bat, scoring one minute and six minutes into play.  On the road and against a top-three team, the attention turned to how the Mules would respond.  "Giving up two goals in the first six minutes of play, we had to adjust and come back quickly," said Terwilliger.  Colby defended a Tufts offense who kept the pedal to the metal.  The Jumbos had 13 first half shots to Colby's four, and they were looking to take their momentum and their 2-0 lead into the second half.  

Eliza Mell halted the charge right away in the third quarter scoring on an assist from Kaitlyn Smith.  Tufts kept pressuring the Colby defense, leading in second half shots 16-4.  Georgia Cassidy was able to help the Mules take advantage of a late opportunity, scoring with six minutes to go in the fourth (assist Smith), and the Mules proved they came to play.  

Tufts kept playing to the buzzer and scored with 19 seconds remaining to end the comeback attempt for the Mules.  Goal keeper Emily Buckman (photo) kept Colby in the contest with 13 saves, and Lauren Walter had a late defensive save on a Tufts scoring opportunity that had beaten Buckman.  "Heartbreaker to give up a goal in the last seconds of the game, but great battle from our team," reflected Terwilliger.  

Colby will complete its road trip tomorrow when they face the Cardinals of Wesleyan University at 12:00pm.  

(Photo courtesy of Calvin Wetmore '20)