Field Hockey whacks OWU; Robinson shines

On Wednesday the Oberlin field hockey team posted its third win of the season in a 2-0 spanking of Wooster.

The women showcased a vicious offense, fluid passing, tight defense and stonewall goaltending. Senior co-captain Jesse Robinson scored the game-winning goal unassisted with 6:37 left to play. Robinson's offense carried the Yeowomen with seven shots on goal, mostly from corner plays. Her defensive game was strong as well.

With 5:06 remaining, head coach Mindy Manolovich wisely called a time-out, effectively breaking up the momentum generated by Wooster's offense. Then, in the final two minutes of play, first-year attacker Emily Johnson rushed unchallenged from midfield to the cage where she connected with first year midfielder Jenny Lusk-Yablick for a much-needed insurance goal. The play met with thunderous applause from Oberlin fans, who were small in number but generous in the love they expressed for their team.

The Yeowomen outshot Wooster 24-17 and had 15 corner plays. First-year goalkeeper Pam Walker was solid between the pipes with four saves. Her efforts were complemented by the tireless defense of first-year Jessica Raynor, who consistently stopped Wooster in the defensive zone. Sophomore Annabeth Macy played tight defense as well.

First-year midfielder Jenny Lusk-Yablick said the Yeowomen's performance was their most dedicated and intense thus far. Assistant coach Lucinda Tokarski said, "We kicked booty." Robinson said, "We knew we were better. We were smarter, faster and prettier." She attributed the victory to the team's passing game and to the previous day's practice when head coach Mindy Manolovich made the decision to switch the Yeowomen's offense from a 4-4-2 to a 3-3-1 forechecking system. This victory brings Oberlin's record up to 3-4 overall and 3-3 within conference play.

The week before, the team split two games. On Friday they suffered a 3-0 loss to Wittenburg University. The next day Oberlin came back, however, slicing and dicing their way to a 3-0 romp over Earlham College. In that contest, the Yeowomen outshot Earlham 19-7. Senior goalkeeper and co-captain Liz Breakstone enjoyed a brilliant day in the cage, and first-year attackers Johnson and Vanessa Wirth provided much of the offense. Both players had one goal and one assist. Sophomore attacker Bee Chatfield began the scoring with an assist from senior midfielder Cecily Beane.

The Yeowomen face Denison University this Saturday at home. The game begins at 1 p.m.

See the ball, be the ball: Senior Jesse Robinson vies for the ball with a Wooster player in Oberlin's win Wednesday. (photo by Beth O'Brien)