GRANVILLE, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers believed in themselves, and after upsetting the Denison Big Red on their home turf in last year's North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals, they had reason for that belief. But after taking a 1-0 lead in the first half, the Tiger defense uncharacteristically allowed two goals that earned Denison a hard-fought 2-1 NCAC Tournament semifinal victory.

The Tigers ended the 2005 regular season with a 14-5 overall record after finishing in a three-way tie for second place in the NCAC regular season title chase with Ohio Wesleyan and Kenyon at 5-3. Wittenberg, which is ranked in the Great Lakes Region, is one of many teams around the nation that could be considered for a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament when it is announced on Sunday. Wittenberg has never appeared in the NCAA Division III Tournament for women's soccer.

Against Denison, the Tigers started well, taking a lead on a penalty kick by sophomore Lisa Rusch. However, the Big Red were relentless, accumulating a 15-5 shot advantage and breaking through with just over a minute remaining in the first half for the equalizer and then in the 67th minute for the game-winner.

Wittenberg sophomore goalkeeper Meghan O'Rourke finished with five saves in the game.