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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Hosting their first North Coast Athletic Conference game in school history, the Wittenberg Tigers faced a familiar conference foe, the Wooster Scots. The Tigers did what they had only done one time previous as they defeated the Scots, 2-0, to advance to their second NCAC Tournament championship game in three years.
Earlier in the day, fourth-seeded Denison topped top-seeded, regular season champion Kenyon in the other conference semifinal. The Tigers' win, combined with Denison's victory, earned them their first home NCAC Tournament championship game opportunity and improved their overall record to 13-3-3. The Scots finished their season with a record of 12-6-1 overall.
The game was close from the start, but the Tigers struck first with a goal in the 30th minute. Scoring her third goal of the season, junior forward Sydney Bates (Loveland, Ohio/Milford) hit a hard shot from the 18 marker that was mishandled by the Wooster goalkeeper and went dribbling into the net.
Wooster had opportunities of its own, but the Tigers took their 1-0 lead into halftime.
The action in the second half mirrored that of the first half until the Tigers struck again. With just six minutes left in the game, Amanda Farrell (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland) hit a shot into the upper left corner of the net, off a double assist from freshman Kelly Clark (Columbus, Ohio/Bexley) and senior Jamie McIntyre (Columbus, Ohio/Grandview). The Tigers took their 2-0 lead and never looked back.
Wittenberg will face defending conference tournament champion Denison at home Saturday, Nov. 4, for the conference crown and the automatic berth into the 2006 NCAA Division III Tournament at a time to be determined. Wittenberg has never previously gained a bid to the national championships.