SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers kicked off the 2015 season with a near-miss - but also an encouraging result that Head Coach Kelley Hubbell hopes will provide a positive starting point.

Wittenberg held one-goal leads in each half before going to overtime with visiting Washington & Jefferson. After a flurry of chances around the Presidents' goal, Wittenberg was victimized on the counterattack just 2:57 into the extra session.

It wasn't the final score that Hubbell wanted, but the effort on a humid evening was there and the Tigers' execution was also promising, especially on a first half exchange between senior Paige Vanerstrom (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) and sophomore Riley Trexler (Louisville, Ky./Atherton) that led to the game's first goal. Vanerstrom scored Wittenberg's second goal after a mad scramble in front of the goal in the 41st minute.

"I thought we showed growth from last season, and I'm excited about our potential this season," Hubbell said. "We look forward to learning from today and growing even further."

Wittenberg led the shot count at 13-10 and held a narrow 4-3 advantage in penalty corners. In goal, junior Sarah Brownell (Oconomowoc, Wis./University Lake School) came up with five saves.

Vanerstrom and Trexler led Wittenberg with four shots apiece in the game.

Written By: Ryan Maurer