| No. 1 Messiah College Falcons |
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Location: Grantham, PA
Head Coach: Brooke Good (5th season, 83-24 at Messiah entering the weekend)
2016 Record: 20-1, 7-0 MAC Commonwealth
NCAA Tournament Appearance: 30th (49-29 all-time record entering weekend)
2016 NCAA First Round: Bye
2016 NCAA Second Round: 5-0 win over Keene State College
2016 NCAA Third Round: 4-2 win over Middlebury College
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Messiah as a Team in Top-40 National Statistics: The Falcons are first in goals per game (4.81), points per game (12.81), scoring average (4.79), scoring margin (4.08), and winning percentage (0.952), second in assists per game (3.19), fourth in GAA (0.71), seventh in shutouts per game (0.52), and 31st in penalty corners per game (10.10).
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Messiah Players in Top-40 National Statistics: Shelby Landes is fifth in goals-against-average (0.75); Carissa Gehman is sixth in goals per game (1.29) and seventh in points per game (2.86); Nicole Wilkerson is sixth in assists per game (0.75).
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How the Falcons got here: After winning their 23rd MAC Commonwealth Championship in the last 33 years to nab the Automatic Qualifier from the conference Messiah has been on a tear through the NCAA tournament. The Falcons are the highest scoring team in the tournament with nine goals in two games, including a thrilling 4-2 defeat of defending National Champion Middlebury on Sunday.
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On Saturday, the Falcons easily handled Keene State, only allowing two shots and one on goal while pelting the Owls' defense with 35 shots (18 on goal).
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The Falcons are the most seasoned program in this year's Final Four, making their 15th appearance in program history, only trailing The College of New Jersey (22) for the most all-time. However, the Falcons are still searching for that elusive National Championship, as they have finished as runner-up eight times and received third-place six times.
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Scouting the Falcons: There are multiple players for Messiah that can score, including a trio of Falcons that have tallied at least 16 goals and 40 points this season. 2015 NFHCA All-American Carissa Gehman leads the way with 27 goals, five assists, 59 points, and seven game-winners. Senior Moriah Pfautz (16g, 9a, 41p, 5gw) and junior Taylor Holt (18g, 5a, 41p, 2gw) have also experienced exceptional seasons on the offensive end. These three are not Messiah's only options, though, as 17 of the 23 field players on the Falcon roster have recorded a goal this year, including Logan Ryan (9) and Kristin Donohue (7).
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To go along with ranking fifth on the team in goals, Donohue is also second on the team in assists, dishing out 10 on the year. Midfield teammate Nicole Wilkerson leads the team with 15 assists.
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On the defensive end, the back line of Hannah Roland, Sara Brooks, and Shayna Landis has shut down opposing offenses to the tune of 0.68 goals scored per game and only 5.4 shots per game. Shelby Landes has locked down the cage this year, recording 43 saves against 56 shots on goal for a .768 save percentage. She has compiled an impressive 20-1 mark in goal, including eight shutouts.
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Players to watch:
Carissa Gehman - 2016 Season: 27 goals, 5 assists, 59 points - 2015 Second Team All-American, 2014 Third Team All-American, Three-time MAC Commonwealth First Team, 2014 MAC Commonwealth Rookie of the Year. Just a junior, she is currently fourth all-time in program history for goals scored with 72.
Moriah Pfautz - 2016 Season: 16 goals, 9 assists, 41 points - 2014 MAC Commonwealth Second Team, 2013 MAC Commonwealth First Team and Rookie of the Year. She is also eighth in program history for goals scored with 63.
Taylor Holt - 2016 Season: 18 goals, 5 assists, 41 points - 2016 and 2015 MAC Commonwealth Honorable Mention
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| No. 7 Babson College Beavers |
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Location: Babson Park, MA
Head Coach: Julie Ryan (10th season, 136-71 at Babson entering the weekend)
2016 Record: 21-2, 8-0 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC)
NCAA Tournament Appearance: 3rd (4-2 all-time record entering weekend)
2016 NCAA First Round: Bye
2016 NCAA Second Round: 3-0 win over St. John Fisher College
2016 NCAA Third Round: 1-0 win over Franklin & Marshall University
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Babson as a Team in Top-40 National Statistics: The Beavers are first in GAA (0.52) and shutouts per game (0.65), third in winning percentage (0.913), fourth in scoring margin (3.19), eighth in assists per game (2.48), 10th in points per game (9.96), 12th in goals per game (3.74), penalty corners per game (11.48), and scoring average (3.71).
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Babson Players in Top-40 National Statistics: Deirdre Barry is first in GAA (0.47); Ashley Tango is 16th in assists per game (0.62) and 22nd in points per game (2.33).
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How the Beavers got here: After rolling through conference play undefeated, the Beavers won two close games over Mount Holyoke and MIT, each by a 1-0 score, to take the NEWMAC Tournament crown and the Automatic Qualifying bid into the NCAA Tournament.
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Babson received a bye in the First Round before taking down St. John Fisher in the Second Round by a score of 3-0. Kelsi McDougle scored just 100 seconds into the game, and Ashley Tango and Elise Towers provided some insurance with goals of their own just before and after halftime, respectively.
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On Sunday, the Beavers hosted a tough Franklin & Marshall squad that was ranked No. 8 in the NFHCA poll entering the tournament, and held the Diplomats scoreless on just six shots and only two on goal. Ashley Tango scored the lone goal to secure a 1-0 win for Babson with under seven minutes remaining in the game.
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Scouting the Beavers: Babson fields a very balanced offensive attack with six players recording at least 20 points on the season. They are led by junior Elise Towers (19g, 7a, 45p) and sophomore Ashley Tango (18g, 13a, 49p). Jacki Merrigan (10g, 4a, 24p) and Staci Swallow (10g, 3a, 23p) are also a threat on the offensive end for the Beavers.
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Babson shares the ball well, assisting on 66% of their goals. Three players have at least ten assists apiece – Tango, Lauren Drakely (6g, 10a, 22p), and Kelsi McDougle (2g, 10a, 14p).
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The defensive end is where the Beavers really shine, as they shut out their opponents in 15 of their 23 games thus far, with a team goals-against-average of 0.52 that ranks first in the country. As a matter of fact, the four teams that remain in the tournament rank first through fourth nationally in goals-against-average, adding power to the oft-used phrase: defense wins championships. First-year Deirdre Barry has started all but one game on goal this season, recording 32 saves, a 0.47 gaa, .762 save percentage, and 12 shutouts.
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Players to watch:
Ashley Tango – 2016 Season: 18 goals, 13 assists, 49 points – Leads the team in assists and points, second in goals scored. 2016 NEWMAC Athlete of the Year, 2015 NEWMAC Rookie of the Year.
Elise Towers – 2016 Season: 19 goals, 7 assists, 45 points – Leads team in goals, second in points. 2016 NEWMAC First Team.
Lauren Drakeley – 2016 Season: 6 goals, 9 assists, 21 points – Anchors nation's top-ranked scoring defense. 2016 NEWMAC Defensive Player of the Year, 2015 NEWMAC First Team.
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History Against Messiah:
The Beavers and the Falcons have never played each other in field hockey.
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| No. 2 Salisbury University Sea Gulls |
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Location: Salisbury, MD
Head Coach: Dawn Chamberlin (30th season, 473-110-8 record at Salisbury entering the weekend)
2016 Record: 18-1, 6-0 Capital Athletic Conference (CAC)
NCAA Tournament Appearance: 32nd (51-27 all-time record entering weekend)
2016 NCAA First Round: Bye
2016 NCAA Second Round: 3-0 win over Kenyon College
2016 NCAA Third Round: 1-0 win over Ursinus College
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Salisbury as a Team in Top-40 National Statistics: The Sea Gulls are second in GAA (0.55), goals per game (4.50), scoring average (4.48), scoring margin (3.92), shutouts per game (0.61), and winning percentage (0.944), third in points per game (11.56), sixth in assists per game (2.56) and penalty corners per game (12.11), and eighth in save percentage (0.828).
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Salisbury Players in Top-40 National Statistics: Tressie Windsor is second in GAA (0.58) and 23rd in save percentage (0.796); Abbey Shobe is 36th in goals per game (0.89).
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How the Seagulls got here: Salisbury had a stellar regular season, with their only loss coming to No. 1 Messiah on the road. They only gave up four goals in conference play, and stormed through the CAC Tournament, defeating York (Pa.) 5-0 and Mary Washington 8-0 to earn the Automatic Qualifying bid.
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The Sea Gulls had a bye through the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, before facing Kenyon in the Second Round. Abbey Shobe, Casie Preisch, and Natalie Wilkinson each tallied to lead Salisbury to a 3-0 victory.
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In the Third Round, the Sea Gulls shut out No. 6 Ursinus by a 1-0 score to advance to their 14th Final Four in program history. Arielle Johnston scored the lone goal in the 45th minute.
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Scouting the Seagulls: Much like Messiah, Salisbury has a trio of players that are all consistent threats to find the cage. Senior Abbey Shobe leads the way with 16 goals, one assist, and 33 points, while senior Becca Rinaca and junior Natalie Wilkinson each have 32 points, (15g, 2a) and (13g, 6a), respectively. The Sea Gulls really spread the ball around, as ten different players have recorded at least three goals on the year.
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Salisbury has outgained their opponents in terms of penalty corners by an extremely wide margin this season of 232-73, setting up ample opportunities to put the ball in the cage. Their mark of 12.11 penalty corners per game slots them sixth in the country.
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Jillian Hughes (3 defensive saves), Jessie Todd (4), and keeper Tressie Windsor hold together a very stout defensive side that is second in the country with a goals-against-average of .55. Windsor has started every game, recording 41 saves, an .804 save percentage, and nine shutouts.
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Players to watch:
Abbey Shobe – 2016 Season: 16 goals, 1 assist, 33 points – leads team in goals, points, and game-winners (5). 2016 CAC Second Team honoree.
Hannah Miller – 2016 Season: 1 goal, 7 assists, 9 points – midfielder that does not get on the stat sheet frequently, but plays both ways extremely well. 2016 CAC Player of the Year.
Jillian Hughes – 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 defensive saves – huge part of defensive front that is second in the nation in goals-against-average. 2016 CAC Rookie of the Year.
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History against Messiah:
Messiah and Salisbury have quite a competitive history, as the Sea Gulls hold a very slight advantage with 19 wins to the Falcons' 18, and 62-57 in terms of goals scored. Salisbury had won the last five matchups before this season, until Messiah broke through for a 3-2 victory when the two teams met earlier this year on Sept. 9. Becca Rinaca and Arielle Johnston put the Sea Gulls up 2-0 early, but goals from Taylor Holt (28th minute) and Carissa Gehman (46th) would even the score at two, until Holt knocked in the game-winner with 90 seconds to play.
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| No. 3 Tufts University Jumbos |
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Location: Medford, MA
Head Coach: Tina McDavitt Mattera (13th season, 183-52 record at Tufts entering the weekend)
2016 Record: 18-2, 8-2 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC)
NCAA Tournament Appearance: 9th (14-7 all-time record entering weekend)
2016 NCAA First Round: Bye
2016 NCAA Second Round: 2-0 win over the University of New England
2016 NCAA Third Round: 1-0 win over Skidmore College
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Tufts as a Team in Top-40 National Statistics: The Jumbos are third in GAA (0.64), fourth in shutouts per game (0.60) and winning percentage (0.900), 10th in scoring margin (2.33), 35th in goals per game (3) and scoring average (2.97), and 37th in points per game (7.85).
Tufts Players in Top-40 National Statistics: Emily Polinski is third in GAA (0.67).
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How the Jumbos got here: The Tufts Jumbos only lost two games all season, one being to Amherst in double overtime. They have only allowed goals in seven of their 20 games thus far, and went 8-2 in the toughest field hockey conference in Division III: the NESCAC. They shut out Williams in the NESCAC semifinals, 5-0, and defeated Middlebury by a 3-1 score to claim the NESCAC Championship and the Automatic Qualifying bid.
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The Jumbos, like all the teams that are left, also had a bye through the First Round. In the Second Round, Erin Sanders and Mary Travers each scored first-half goals en route to a 2-0 victory over the University of New England.
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In the Third Round, Gigi Tutoni scored in just the fourth minute, and then Tufts employed sensational defense on No. 11 Skidmore, holding them to just four shots (two on goal) in the contest to take a 1-0 win and advance to the Final Four.
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Scouting the Jumbos: Tufts does not have quite the offensive firepower as the other three remaining teams, with only one player, Annie Artz (14g, 2a, 30p), tallying more than ten goals. The Jumbos do have other scoring options, though, namely in Mary Travers (9g, 8a, 26p) and Gigi Tutoni (9g, 3a, 21p).
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Despite not scoring a wealth of goals, Tufts fields a fantastic defensive effort (3rd in country in gaa) that results in still ranking 10th in the nation in scoring margin (2.33). That line, made up of Nicole Arata, Ellexa Thomas, and Issy Del Priore, has led the Jumbos to nine-straight victories with only three goals allowed during that stretch. Arata is also known to come up and aid the offense on occasion, assisting on seven goals despite not reaching the scoring column.
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Emily Polinski locks down the cage, registering 44 saves, .67 goals-against-average, and a .772 save percentage. She has started in 19 of Tufts's 20 contests, holding a record of 17-2 with nine shutouts.
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Players to watch:
Annie Artz – 2016 Season: 14 goals, 2 assists, 30 points – team-leader in goals and points, as well as game-winners with four. 2016 NESCAC First Team, sixth in the conference in goals scored.
Ellexa Thomas – 2016 Season: 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point – defender that anchors stellar Jumbo defense that has a goals-against-average of .64. 2016 NESCAC First Team.
Emily Polinski – 2016 Season: 44 saves, .67 gaa, .772 save percentage, nine shutouts – protects the cage for the No. 3 scoring defense in the country.
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History against Messiah:
Tufts won the only meeting in history between the Falcons and the Jumbos, a 5-2 NCAA Semifinal win in 2008. The game was knotted at two at halftime, but Tufts pulled away with three goals in a span of eight minutes to advance to the championship, which they lost in double overtime to Bowdoin.
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