SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – With all phases of the game working efficiently, Wittenberg field hockey scored, defended and controlled the ball in a 4-0 win against Earlham at home on Wednesday afternoon.
The Tigers improved to 4-12 overall and 3-9 in North Coast Athletic Conference action with the win, and extended an all-time advantage over the Quakers to 49-4-4.
The Tigers were consistent the entire match, pressuring Earlham's possessions and pushing on offense. The offensive efforts resulted in four goals, led by sophomore Megan Loofbourrow (Prospect, Ky./Ballard) who put two in the cage.
Also scoring for Wittenberg were freshman Tiffany McKenna (Belvidere, N.J./Belvidere) and sophomore Beth Warning (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mount Notre Dame). Warning added an assist to the mix, as did freshman Paige Vanerstrom (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny), freshman Karen Blacklock (Clark, N.J./Arthur L. Johnson) and sophomore Audrey Phibbs (Kettering, Ohio/Fairmont).
Loofbourrow also led the team in shots with five, followed by Warning and Vanerstrom with four each, while McKenna and senior Kellen Morrissey (Aurora, Colo./Smoky Hill) each took three.
Wittenberg junior goalkeeper Alie Marousek (Pittsburgh, Pa./Portsmouth, N.H.) was forced into just one save in the game, and was relieved after 52:54 by junior Jessica Jensen (Hartland, Wisc./Arrowhead).
The Tiger defensive effort in front of the cage was superb, headlined by sophomore Alena Mohler (Powell, Ohio/Pfafftown Reagan, N.C.), junior Mallory Skrobot (Dublin, Ohio/Watterson), and freshman Andrea Mattingly (Louisville, Ky./Mercy Academy).
The Tigers finish the homestand and the season with a 4:30 p.m. match against Ohio Wesleyan on Friday, Oct. 26, at Edwards-Maurer Field.