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LEXINGTON, Ky. - The strong Wittenberg women's soccer defense slipped in a non-conference match with regional opponent Transylvania Saturday afternoon, dropping a 5-0 decision in their final regular season game. Though the loss drops the Tigers to 9-4-5 overall, it has no implications on the Tigers' upcoming bid for a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament.
Ranked sixth in the Great Lakes Region, the Tigers have secured a spot in the North Coast Athletic Conference tournament by virtue of a 4-2-2 record in league games. The regional ranking leaves Wittenberg's hopes of earning a bid to the playoffs pinned to winning the NCAC Tournament, starting with the semifinals Wednesday, Nov. 4, at a time and place to be determined.
In the loss to Transylvania, the Tigers allowed 14 shots, 10 of them on goal. Wittenberg shot eight times, landing four on goal. Freshman starting goalkeeper Melissa Gartner (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Ursula) allowed one goal and was not forced into any saves in 25 minutes, while freshman reserve netminder Hannah Hoffman (Bethesda, Md./Chevy Chase) saw her most significant time of the season in 65 minutes, making five saves and allowing four goals along the way. Every available Tiger on the roster saw time on the field.
The NCAC Tournament pairings come out Saturday night, and will designate an opponent, location and time for the Tigers' semifinal game on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Written by: John Strawn '07