WILMINGTON, Ohio - To become a consistent winner at the collegiate level, young teams, no matter how talented, endure growing pains en route to their ultimate goals. After two straight wins over quality opponents, the Wittenberg Tigers fell flat in the first game of the Kiwanis Classic at Wilmington College, losing 3-0 to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association powerhouse Hope.

The Tigers were beaten decisively in the shots category, with Hope holding a 21-7 advantage and forcing Wittenberg junior goalkeeper Adam Horrocks to make five saves while giving up three goals. Hope even held an 8-3 advantage in corner kicks. Twice the Flying Dutch scored off long crosses, while the second goal was a penalty kick opportunity.

No Wittenberg player attempted more than two shots in the game. The Tigers dropped to 3-3-1 with the loss heading into Saturday's game against Transylvania at the Kiwanis Classic.