Colby field hockey took ninth-ranked Tufts University to the brink this past Saturday, Sept. 24, but ultimately fell 2-1 in a heartbreaker at Bill Alfond Field. The Mules fall to 0-4 overall and 0-3 in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).

Colby took a 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute when Hannah O’Brien ’12 found the back of the net on an assist from Caitlyn Lancaster ’12.

The Mules were able to fight off a strong Jumbos attack for most of the game, but the Tufts squad outshot the Mules 22-8 and earned eight more penalty corners than the Colby women. Colby’s goaltender, Michelle Burt ’14, made eleven saves while Tufts’ Marianna Zuk was forced to make just four.

Unfortunately for the Mules, Tufts broke through at just the right time. Lia Sagerman netted the game-tying goal with 8:10 remaining, and Lindsay Griffith put the game away with 2:07 to play, denying Colby field hockey its first win of the young season.

The Mules look to end their four-game skid as they take on Waterville’s own Thomas College Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at home. Colby will then make a Connecticut road trip to face Trinity College and Wesleyan University this weekend.