GREENSBORO, NC - The Wittenberg Tigers turned in a record-setting offensive performance in their 2014 season opener, including a second-half barrage of 14 goals en route to a 23-17 victory over Guilford.
The game was delayed by a day due to an unusual March snowfall in central North Carolina. The unexpected change in schedule did nothing to cool off Wittenberg's offense, which matched a school record with 23 goals.
The Tigers have reached that goal total on three previous occasions, most recently in 2001 against Earlham.
Despite the tremendous production from Wittenberg's offensive unit, it was anything but a lop-sided affair, unlike the three previous 23-goal outbursts. The Tigers led just 9-8 at halftime and 15-14 with 14:40 left in the game before closing with an 8-3 run.
Guilford was credited with 38 shots in the game, compared with 36 for Wittenberg. The Tigers held a 25-20 edge in ground balls, and both teams were charged with 19 turnovers. Interestingly, Guilford held a commanding 28-14 advantage in draw controls.
Individually, Wittenberg was paced by junior Logan Warye (Maineville, Ohio/Kings), who matched her career highs of six goals and seven total points. Senior Alie Marousek (Ballston Lake, NY/Portsmouth (NH)) added five goals, while senior Francine Murzynski (Mentor, Ohio/Lake Catholic) dished out five assists, one short of the school record.
Junior Beth Hubbard (West Hartford, Conn./Notre Dame de Sion (Mo.)) contributed four goals to the attack, while freshman Becca Joseph (Toledo, Ohio/St. Ursula) chipped in with one goal and four assists. Rounding things out were junior Megan Loofbourrow (Prospect, Ky./Ballard) with three goals and two assists, sophomore Olivia Lash (Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights) with three goals and one assist and sophomore Carrie Kubasta (Medina, Ohio/Medina) with one goal.
In goal, sophomore Katie Reuter (Cleveland, Ohio/Hathaway Brown) was credited with four saves while playing the first half between the pipes. Sophomore Maddy Kelly (Columbus, Ohio/Bexley) secured the victory with six saves over the final 30 minutes.
Wittenberg's Spring Break continues Monday, March 10, with a game at Randolph (Va.)