SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Wittenberg Tigers cleared a major hurdle in the bright sunshine of Senior Recognition Day at Edwards-Maurer Field. First, they defeated a quality opponent in Colorado College. Second, they came-from-behind in improbable fashion to do it.
This isn't to say that the Tigers, who have not put together a winning season since 1999, are ready for the big time just yet. But a go-ahead fourth quarter goal by junior Brandon Hulett (Hilliard, Ohio/Davidson) followed by some hard-nosed goaltending by juniorAndy Shively (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) in the waning seconds earned Wittenberg a 10-9 home victory and, perhaps, a shot of confidence heading into the 2007 season finale and beyond.
The two teams split four first-quarter goals and Colorado College held a slim 5-4 advantage through halftime. Six third-quarter goals were also split right down the middle before the Tigers rallied in the fourth, scoring three of the game's final four goals.
Hulett's unassisted tally with 5:47 left gave Wittenberg the edge, but it took a tremendous team effort around the Tigers' own goal to preserve the win. Colorado College had several quality opportunities, culminating in a flurry from close range that ended with Shively on the ball in his own crease with 5.5 seconds remaining. He made the last two of his 19 saves in the game during the game's final furious scrum.
The Wittenberg offense was sparked by junior Jon Van Vranken (North Canton, Ohio/Hoover), who scored a game-high four goals. Hulett added two goals and a game-high three assists, while freshman Mike Reinberg (St. Louis, Mo./DeSmet Jesuit) enjoyed his best game as a collegian with two tallies and a helper of his own.
Colorado College held a commanding 46-27 advantage in shots, but Shively was credited with 19 saves, compared with six for his opposite number. Senior Brandon Schwind (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) led with six ground balls, while senior Mark Morrell (St. Louis, Mo./C.B.C.) and junior Mike Provost (Columbus, Ohio/Hilliard Davidson) added five apiece. Morrell won 12-of-22 face-offs in the game.