SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Despite the frigid air and light snowfall, Wittenberg pieced together another solid outing at home, this time against North Coast Athletic Conference rival Denison. In the end, though, it was the Big Red who turned up the heat when it mattered the most, taking an 11-8 decision from the Tigers.
The Tigers fell to 2-4 overall and 0-1 in NCAC play, while Denison got back on the winning side after dropping its previous four contests. Next up for Wittenberg is a road game at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at Oberlin College.
The game was tight most of the way, but it was Denison's second run of four consecutive goals that was too much to overcome in the end. Wittenberg did hold a slight edge in ground balls, 27-24, and had more caused turnovers, 19-13, but the Tigers were outshot 39-26 and lost the battle of draw controls 12-7.
The Tiger offensive attack was led by junior Molly Floyd (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Hathaway Brown), who knocked in two goals. Six others were credited with scores, including freshman Erika Brandewie (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore), who notched her first collegiate goal. Senior Michelle Hanners (New Albany, Ohio/Columbus School for Girls) added a team-high two assists.
Junior goalie Sarah Zane (Hilliard, Ohio/Davidson) was impressive in defending the relentless Denison offense, effectively saving 17 shots. She was helped in the backfield by sophomore Lizzie Amorello's (Sutton, Mass./Worcester Academy) four caused turnovers and senior Lauren Bouton's (Roswell, Ga./Roswell) team-best six ground balls.