Westerville, OH- The Tigers travelled to Westerville, OH to take on the Cardinals of Otterbein. The 1-1 Cardinals and 0-1 Tigers both met on the field after tough non-conference losses and both were determined to not let history repeat itself. After a tough fought battle, the Tigers were unable to keep up with the Cardinals and ended with 14-9 on the board and a 0-2 record to start the season.
Game Breakdown: The Tigers had to answer back early in the first half but put two up on the board to Otterbein's one with free position goals from co-captains Gabby Zysik and Rachel Bernard. After an Otterbein goal and a 2-2 score, Wittenberg went on a three goal run. Bernard tabbed two of the three goals back-to-back to give her a hat-trick early in the game and the third was from freshman Mya Wolfe at 15:42. The Cardinals didn't back down and were able to tie it up to go into the half with a score of 5-5. Zysik was able to put one more on the board to start the second half to keep the game within two at 19:27 but Otterbein was able to go on a run and increase their lead by seven. Antavia Horne was able to stop that run with a goal at 10:42 off of an assist from Libby Wadds to make the score 13-7 with Otterbein leading. Zysik ended her day with a hat-trick at 7:57 unassisted and Bernard added one more to give her a total of four goals on the day at 5:43. The Tigers put up a good fight but were unable to stop the Cardinals on defense and fell with a 14-9 score.
Key Players: Rachel Bernard led the Tigers on offense with four goals, adding to her total of six goals on the season. Bernard was able to pick up five ground balls and cause three turn overs to lead Wittenberg on defense as well.
Up Next: Wittenberg will return home on Wednesday, February 26th at 6 PM to take on the Blue Streaks of John Carroll University.