The Middlebury field hockey team advanced to the 2006 NESCAC Championship Game with a 4-1 victory over Tufts in a NESCAC Semifinal contest at Bowdoin on Saturday. The Panthers will take on Bowdoin, a 1-0 winner over Amherst in the title game on Sunday at noon.

Middlebury got on the board first, with a goal just three minutes into the game when Rowe was able to find Sophie Thompson in front of the cage. Rowe added a score for herself at 19:46 off of a rebound from the Jumbos' goalie. Middlebury finished out the half with a goal at 14:21. Rowe tallied her second assist of the game when she connected with Reid Berrien, who slapped the ball into the goal.

Lacey Farrell strengthened Middlebury's lead with a goal at 5:28 left in the second half. Tufts broke up the shutout with 2:22 remaining in the game when Michelle Kelly found the back of the cage.

Meghan McGillen had seven saves for Middlebury, while Angela Rappoli made six saves for Tufts.