Tigers Stifle Washington & Jefferson, 9-1

Matt Lord

WASHINGTON, Pa. — After suffering their first loss of the 2011 season, the Wittenberg Tigers bounced back well with a tremendous defensive performance in a 9-1 win over host Washington & Jefferson.

The Tigers improved to 12-1 overall, heading into their regular season finale at Otterbein on Tuesday, May 3. Washington & Jefferson fell to 5-10.

In the loss to Ohio Wesleyan three days earlier, the Tigers nearly overcame a disastrous first half, outscoring the Battling Bishops 5-1 over the final 30 minutes before coming up empty on a power play that covered most of the final 40 seconds. Wittenberg picked up right where it left in the OWU game, blanking the Presidents 5-0 in the first half and keeping up the pressure throughout the contest. The final shot count was 42-20, with Washington & Jefferson managing to solve senior goalkeeper Mark DeOliveira (East Hanover, NJ/East Hanover) just once in the third quarter.

DeOliveira was credited with eight saves in the game as he combined with his veteran defensive unit to stymie the Presidents' attack. At the other end of the field, senior Brady Christensen (Medina, Ohio/Medina) led the way with two goals and four assists. His performance complemented a three-goal, one-assist outburst from senior Matt Lord (Pickerington, Ohio/North), who became the program's all-time leader in goals scored with 106 in his career.

Senior Danny Johnson (Cincinnati, Ohio/Indian Hill) led the way in ground balls with four, while Lord, DeOliveira, sophomore Alex Previte (Dublin, Ohio/Coffman) and senior Adam Ansel (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) all chipped in with three.