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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - In typical fashion, the Wittenberg Tigers found a way to get the job done on a bright, sunny afternoon at Edwards-Maurer Field. The only relatively unusual feature was an overtime period, but the Tigers scored with just eight seconds left to record a 1-0 win over Oberlin.
The win moved the Tigers to 12-2-1 overall and 3-0-1 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC). Heading into a stretch run of four tough games, starting with a road trip at surprising Earlham on Tuesday, the Tigers followed the script with timely offense and hard-nosed defense. Wittenberg recorded its 12th shutout of the 2007 season, including 10 credited to senior netminder Meghan O'Rourke (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne).
O'Rourke, already the school record-holder for shutouts in a season and a career, broke the NCAC mark for career shutouts with the 42nd of her illustrious career in the Red & White. To read a feature about O'Rourke's accomplishments and a unique tie to brother, Danny, a starter for the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, click here.
Any individual achievement in a team sport is at least partially attributable to the players around the record-breaker. Tiger Head Coach Norm Riker said as much after the game.
"Meghan has been an incredible goalkeeper and leader for us," Riker said. "The back four and the rest of the team defends so well in front of her, in part, because she gives them the confidence and the reassurance that if a mistake is made she will be there to make the save. Fittingly enough, she saved a break away today to keep the game 0-0, and that save allowed us to win it in OT.
"Meghan makes the most of every second she is in a Wittenberg uniform. This is a special record for her and for the team. The only thing she kept saying in the post-game huddle was 'thank you, thank you guys, thank you.' The conference shutout record is a great team accomplishment."
O'Rourke was credited with four saves in the game, setting the stage for the dramatic game-winning score. Junior Corey Shubitowski (Columbus, Ohio/Watterson) gained control of the ball near the top of the penalty box and got a strong shot off that Oberlin's goalkeeper saved but couldn't control. The ball spun off her fingertips toward the end line, where senior Lisa Rusch (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne) pounced on it and scored from an odd angle with just eight ticks remaining.
The Tigers outshot Oberlin 16-4 and enjoyed an 8-1 edge in corner kick opportunities. However, the saves were 7-4 in favor of Oberlin as the two teams generated just one quality scoring chance each during regulation.