In a battle of the fourth and fifth-ranked teams in the nation, the Amherst field hockey team fell by a 1-0 score to lower seeded Tufts.

The battle proved to be mainly defensive, with the first shot not coming until late in the 10th minute of play.

Mary Margaret Stoll ’17 had a strong chance for the Jeffs in the 25th minute, coralling the rebound and putting the ball back on goal. However, the Tufts’ keeper was there to make the stop and keep Amherst off the board.

The teams entered the intermission still scoreles, Tufts holding a 5-3 advantage in shots in the half and Amherst having the edge in penalty corners, 4-2.

Tufts used the break to their advantage, netting the eventual game winner just over 10 minutes after play resumed.

The goal came off a penalty corner opportunity as Alexandra Jamison fed the inlet pass to Dakota Sikes-Keilp. Sikes-Keilp fired a shot on goal that rattled off the back of the cage, giving Tufts the one-goal lead.

With one lone shot in the period, Amherst was unable to mount an offensive comeback.

Tufts held the final advantage in both shots and corners on the day, 10-4 and 7-5 respectively.

Amherst keeper Emily Horwitz ’17 put in a strong performace in net making eight saves for the Purple and White.

Tufts will compete in the NESCAC semi-finals against Bowdoin on Saturday, Nov. 8. Amherst awaits the decision of the NCAA selection committee, hoping to receive an at-large bid into the field of 24.

Senior Ellie Anderson reflected on the exceptional season the Jeffs enjoyed. “This has been an exciting and constructive season. We have made a lot of progress as a team and have great faith in our ability. We are hoping for an NCAA bid and are more than ready to play!”