RICHMOND, Ind. - After four losses to open the 2012 season, the Wittenberg Tigers got off to a strong start and picked up a much-needed victory over the Earlham Quakers.

Wittenberg improved to 1-4 overall and 1-2 in the North Coast Athletic Conference with the win. Earlham fell to 0-3 overall and 0-2 in the NCAC.

The Tigers jumped on top in just the second minute of the game on a goal by sophomore Audrey Phibbs (Kettering, Ohio/Fairmont). She was followed into the first half scoring column by freshman Tiffany McKenna (Belvidere, NJ/Belvidere) and sophomore Kim Loofbourrow (Prospect, Ky./Ballard).

After the intermission, Earlham did not get a shot directed on the Wittenberg goal after junior netminder Jessica Jensen (Hartland, Wisc./Arrowhead) turned away four Quaker attempts in the opening 30 minutes. At the other end of the field, Phibbs scored her second goal of the game and freshman Brittany Garcia (Lake Villa, Ill./Lakes Community) put the finishing touches on things with a tally in the 64th minute.

Wittenberg, which returns to action at home at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, outshot Earlham 15-7 and earned 13 penalty corners to four for the Quakers.