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BEXLEY, Ohio - The Wittenberg women's soccer team suffered its first goals against - and its first loss - at the hands of the Capital Crusaders in a 2-0 defeat Wednesday night on the road. The Tigers now have digits in all three columns with a 4-1-3 overall record, while Capital improved to 6-2-1 on the year.
The traditionally stout Tiger defense saw their opponents score for the first time in 2009 when Capital broke a scoreless tie in the 23rd minute. Heading into the game, Wittenberg was one of only three teams in all of NCAA Division III with no goals against, and led the division with just five shots on goal. Against the Crusaders, the Red & White allowed seven shots on goal, forcing freshman goalkeeper Melissa Gartner (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Ursula) into five saves.
Capital's two goals brought to an end a streak which saw the Tigers shutout their first seven opponents of the season, a feat never before achieved in program history. The team was one game short of breaking the school record of eight consecutive shutouts, and instead will settle for tying the mark.
Wittenberg held a 14-12 advantage in shots and managed seven on goal, all of which were turned away by the Capital netminder. Sophomore Sheryl Chambers (Victorville, Calif./St. Joan of Arc) led the Tiger offense with four shots, including two on goal, followed by freshman Kailey Striebel (Kettering, Ohio/Fairmont) who shot three times, twice on goal. Four other Tigers took one shot apiece in the match.
The Tigers next host Wilmington in a 7:30 p.m. contest on Friday, Sept. 25, at Edwards-Maurer Field during Wittenberg's Family Weekend.
Written by: John Strawn