OBERLIN, Ohio - Defense has become a buzzword on Wittenberg's campus. Men's soccer, women's soccer, field hockey and football have all relied on strong defense to have success in the 2007 season. But even the best defense can't win a game when the offense does not produce. Despite firing an overwhelming number of shots, the Tiger field hockey team could not find the cage on Saturday, falling to Oberlin in a close 0-1 game.
Sophomore defender Tori Vogelgesang (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Ursula) was part of an effective backfield for the Tigers, who limited Oberlin to just seven shots and four penalty corners on the night. Freshman Meredith Price (Highland Park, Ill./North Shore Country Day) played some of her best defense yet in her rookie season. But the offense was not itself, shooting an impressive 16 times but never finding the goal.
Six different players took shots for the Tigers, and Oberlin gave up an unusual 13 penalty corners, but not once could the attacking unit get the ball past Oberlin goalkeeper Lauren Malinowski, who stopped all 12 of Wittenberg's shots which might have had a chance.
Freshman goalkeeper Liana Began (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson) was forced into only two saves, but she gave up the game-winning goal in the 13th minute of the game.
At 4-4 in the North Coast Athletic Conference with just five games left, all in conference, the Tigers will need to work hard to preserve playoff hopes. Denison hosts the Red & White next on Thursday, Oct. 18.
Written By: John Strawn