LEWISTON, Maine -- The No. 18 nationally ranked Bates field hockey team grabbed the early lead but No. 5 Tufts rallied to defeat the Bobcats 2-1 Saturday afternoon at Campus Ave. Field.

The Jumbos (10-3, 7-1 NESCAC) took the lead for good in the 45th minute. They earned a penalty corner with just 15 seconds left in the third quarter and took advantage of the opportunity. Bates senior goalkeeper Grace Biddle (State College, Pa.) made an excellent save of the initial shot attempt from Tufts' Schuyler Edie. But the ball bounced to the left side of the cage where Ashley Zolin cleaned up for the eventual game-winning tally. 

The Bobcats (7-6, 3-5 NESCAC) mounted a furious rally in the fourth quarter, tallying eight shots to Tufts' one, and earning six penalty corners to Tufts' one. However, the Bobcats could not find the back of the cage and the Jumbos hung on for the victory.

Bates grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute. Junior captain Paige Cote (Auburn, Maine) maneuvered her way to the top of the circle where she ripped the ball towards the cage. Junior Kami Lambert (Augusta, Maine) deflected it home for her team-leading eighth goal of the season. Cote tallied her 11th assist of the year, tops on the team. 

The Bobcats led 1-0 at halftime, only to see the visitors tally the equalizer in the 35th minute. The Jumbos earned a penalty corner and Reegan McCluskey fired a shot on goal from the right side of the circle that Kylie Rosenquest expertly tipped in for a 1-1 tie. 

Sam Gibby recorded six saves in the cage for Tufts while Biddle finished with five for Bates. Both teams recorded seven shots on goal, with Bates out-shooting Tufts 12-9 overall. The Bobcats earned eight penalty corners but could not take advantage of any of them. Tufts scored both their goals off penalty corners, converting on half their chances.

Bates is back in action next Saturday at Connecticut College, with the action getting underway at 11:30am.