Tigers Drop Overtime NCAC Decision At Kenyon

Lindsay Janmey and the Tigers dropped an overtime decision at Kenyon. File Photo | Blake Nelson '17
Lindsay Janmey and the Tigers dropped an overtime decision at Kenyon. File Photo | Blake Nelson '17

GAMBIER, Ohio - Host Kenyon scored the game-winning goal just 32 seconds into a second overtime session to register a 3-2 upset victory over defending North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) regular season champion Wittenberg.

The loss was Wittenberg's first in league play in 2013, dropping the Tigers to 7-6-3 overall and 3-1-1 in the NCAC. Now in fourth place, Wittenberg has three regular season games remaining - against the three teams ahead of the Tigers in the current conference standings (Allegheny, DePauw and Wooster).

Kenyon improved to 4-9-1 overall and 2-3 in the league with the win.

The two teams played to a scoreless draw over the first 45 minutes, but there was plenty of scoring from that point. Wittenberg broke the ice with a goal from senior Katie Murphey (Toledo, Ohio/Sylvania Northview) at the 63:12 mark, but Kenyon responded forcefully with two goals in a six-minute span to take the lead.

The Tigers got the equalizer in the 88th minute on a goal from senior Erin Rowell (Evanston, Ill./Evanston Twp.). However, Kenyon grabbed the momentum back, outshooting Wittenberg 5-2 in the first overtime before scoring on its first shot of the second extra session.

Kenyon outshot Wittenberg 17-16 in the game, with Murphey, freshman Michelle Brunswick (Middletown, Ohio/Madison) and sophomore Mackenzie Bolon (Columbus, Ohio/Bexley) credited with three attempts apiece. The Tigers held a commanding 9-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Defensively, sophomore goalkeeper Maggie Grieser (St. Paris, Ohio/Graham) finished with nine saves.