The 2005 Wittenberg University womens lacrosse team hasnt always found that magical winning formula, but they have been competitive for the most part as they build with a relatively young team.
The Tigers have ridden a four-game losing streak to a 4-7 overall record, including a mark of 0-3 in the North Coast Athletic Conference. In recent weeks, the Tigers were defeated 16-3 by defending conference champion Wooster on April 7, lost at Allegheny on April 10 by an 11-7 score and then saw their rally fall short in an 18-13 home loss to Ohio Wesleyan on April 16.
The improvement from 2004 is obvious, despite the win total being just slightly better than last year, and the statistics bear that out. The team leaders in goals scored a year ago - sophomores Kari Thomas (Dublin, Ohio/Coffman) andMelissa Jackson (Worthington, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) - each had 15 goals in 2004. This year, each has 24 scores, and they trail 2003 third-team All-America honoree Jenny Burns (Dublin, Ohio/Coffman), who leads with 25 goals and 36 total points.
The goal of reaching the four-team NCAC Tournament, scheduled for May 6-7 at Kenyon, is still within reach, but the Tigers must win their remaining three games and possibly hope for some help. The Tigers play at Oberlin on Saturday, host Kenyon on April 27 and then hit the road again for a tough test at Denison on April 30.
Round Up: Tigers Remain in the Running For the NCAC Tournament
Posted: Apr 20, 2005