SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers enjoyed the friendly confines of Edwards-Maurer Field as they put together a fine offensive display in their home opener to defeat visiting Fontbonne University 19-2.
The Tigers improved to 2-3 on the season, while Fontbonne, playing in their inaugural season of lacrosse, fell to 0-6. Wittenberg returns to action at 5 p.m. April 4 against visiting North Coast Athletic Conference rival Denison.
The Fontbonne Griffins began the game much like they would finish it: by scoring a goal. It was Wittenberg, though, that dominated the rest of the way, scoring 19 consecutive goals after getting down early 1-0. The Tigers enjoyed a 38-3 shot advantage while also controlling much of the midfield to pick up 25 ground balls to Fontbonne's 10. Wittenberg had seven fewer turnovers, too, but lost the battle of draw controls, 13-9.
Offensively, the Tigers were led by sophomore Lizzie Amorello (Sutton, Mass./Worcester Academy), who had four goals. JuniorsAmber Cupples (Wooster, Ohio/Wooster) and Molly Floyd (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Hathaway Brown) added three goals and two assists apiece. In all, nine different Wittenberg players scored at least one goal and seven tallied at least one assist.
Defensively, freshman Bonnie Kenney (Lutherville, Md./Park School) was credited with the win in goal after playing the entire 60 minutes. Freshman Andrea Berry (East Amherst, NY/Williamsville North) caused five turnovers and Cupples, sophomore Beth Vonderbrink (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mount Notre Dame), and freshman Hannah Fox (Carmel, Ind./Cathedral) tied for the team lead in ground balls with three.