SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – The Wittenberg Tigers open conference play in their 2018 campaign, tying the Ladies of Kenyon College, 0-0. Both teams made defensive stands to push the thriller into double overtime. The 38th meeting between the two programs has now accumulated a series record of 17-18-3.
While both teams remained scoreless on the day, Wittenberg proved to be the better team on the field offensively. Kenyon's starting goalie walked onto Edwards-Maurer Field leading the conference in fewest goals against. The Tigers still challenged the keeper, placing 10 shots of 22 total on goal.
Rookie Sydney Weaver took control for the Tiger offense, tapping five shots on the day, three of which on goal. Seniors Taylor Vaughn and Megan Davis tallied two shots on goal apiece, both with only two shots total on the day. In addition, nine starting in red and white made at least one shot on goal. Nine shots came from the boots of Tigers fresh off the bench, including two from Carly Stang and Shannon Brueck each.
Tiredness set in as the action moved into overtime, however the Tigers excelled on the attack. Several times, the ball was led by the midfield into the attacking third, only to be stood up by the Lady defense. The Kenyon stands were desperate measures, allowing for Wittenberg to hold on with eight corner kicks through 110 minutes of action. Wittenberg allowed the Ladies only one corner.
Kenyon kept control of the ball but were unable to move into scoring position. The Tiger defense took down the Kenyon offense, leaving them stranded with a mere four shots on goal through the game. All saves were credited to junior Kelly Corbin. In almost 700 minutes in goal to date, the Fallbrook, Calif. native totals 45 saves and an overall .818 save percentage.
The Tigers pack their bags and travel north to wrap up September with two road games. The red and white will make a stop at Ohio Northern on Tuesday before continuing conference action at Oberlin on Saturday.
Ohio Northern, currently on a five-game winning streak after beating out Thomas More 3-0 this afternoon, seeks revenge on the Tigers. Wittenberg has not seen a loss to the Polar Bears since 2011, although tied back in 2014 and 2015 saw a double-overtime win. The Tiger defense will have to control Ohio Northern, as they sport a sophomore with [four] goals to date. Offensively, the Tigers outscore the Polar Bears, nine to eight
Resuming NCAC play, Oberlin comes to the field with losses to Baldwin Wallace, whom Wittenberg tied in a double-overtime thriller, and to Ohio Northern. Historically, the Tigers outmatch Oberlin, dropping only one game to the Yeowomen since joining the NCAC. Oberlin opened conference play today as well, falling to Ohio Wesleyan 2-0. Coming off this afternoon's tie, Wittenberg seeks a win to boost themselves in the conference rankings.