SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - An overtime goal by Ohio Wesleyan's Christa Cocumelli seven minutes into the extra session denied the Tigers a conference opening victory in a 2-1 loss to rival Ohio Wesleyan.
Tiger forward Tori Casanata (Mason, Ohio/Cor Jesu Academy) opened up the scoring slate for the contest with a goal off a penalty corner rebound to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. At halftime, the Tigers led by that score, hoping to top a rival who beat them twice in 2007 by one-goal margins.
A season-best nine saves for Liana Began (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson) kept the Bishops off the board for the first 46 minutes, but Aylse Marotta tied up the game at 1-1 and forced the extra time.
Sophomore attacker Boo Vernon (Lake Bluff, Ill./Cushing Academy) and freshman Darcey Caciano (St. Louis, Mo./Kirkwood) were active all day in the attacking half, with a number of great opportunities to give the Tigers their second goal. On this day, however, a stellar day in the cage for Wesleyan goalkeeper Krista Murray would keep the Wittenberg attack at bay.
The loss moves the Tigers to 1-2 and 0-1 in NCAC play, as they will face another conference foe this Saturday at Edwards-Maurer Field, when the Oberlin Yeowomen visit for a 2 pm contest.
Written By: Ben Bradley, SID Assistant