The Wittenberg field hockey team is quietly going about its business. In other words, new coach, many new players on the field - same outstanding results through the first month of the 2004 season.
Wittenberg improved to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the North Coast Athletic Conference with wins over Wooster last Saturday and Kenyon on Wednesday. The Tigers scored eight goals in the two games against two of its closest rivals in the current NCAC standings. Oberlin leads Wittenberg by one game in the current standings.
Against Wooster, the Tigers defended their home turf against a quality opponent, capturing a 3-2 decision. Freshman Alison Voigt (Louisville, Ky./Ballard), junior Julia Wickham (Columbus, Ohio/Grandview) and sophomore Rachel Dunn (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) scored the goals. The Tigers were outshot in the game, 20-16, and granted 11 less penalty corners, but the defense was as solid as always as freshman goalkeeper Nicole Irvin (Gettysburg, Pa./Littlestown) turned away five Wooster shots.
Wickham was recognized as NCAC Player of the Week for her stellar play against Wooster and in the 6-1 win over Earlham earlier in the week. She scored the game-winning goal in both games. The 5-0 win over Kenyon on Wednesday pushed the Tigers' home win streak to 25 games in a row, dating back to a 2001 loss to Wooster. The Tigers barraged the Ladies' goal with 24 shots, with five finding the back of the cage - two by senior Blair Ufer (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) and one each by freshman Sadie Mummert (Hanover, Pa./Littlestown), Wickham and sophomore Katy Barrett (Powell, Ohio/Watterson).
Wittenberg has a rare weekend off to tweak some things before the next game. The Tigers face Ohio Wesleyan at home at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Round Up: Tigers Take Two More Conference Wins
Posted: Oct 01, 2004