SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tiger field hockey team fought hard in their conference-opening game against Ohio Wesleyan, but the Battling Bishops sticks had a lucky touch, giving them a 2-1 victory that pushed the Tigers back to even at 2-2 overall.
Standout freshman Boo Vernon (Lake Bluff, Ill./Cushing Academy) scored in the first period to tie it up after an Ohio Wesleyan goal in the first 15 minutes. Ohio Wesleyan responded quickly, adding the game-winning goal with 12:27 left in the first period.
Both teams' defenses took over in the second period, and while Wittenberg held the total shot advantage, the offense could not get past OWU goalie Katie Jones. Tiger goalkeeper Sarah Umberger (Concord, NH/Derryfield School) played a strong game, but let two hard-luck goals get by, both barely bouncing past her stick and pads.
The Tigers opened conference play last year against Kenyon, losing 0-1, before rattling off five straight conference wins.
Written By: John Strawn