Oberlin’s field hockey team ended the season as triumphant as ever, putting together a five-game winning streak in their last week of play.
On Oct. 11, the Yeowomen beat long-time rival Denison with a final score of 3-1. Goals in the first period were earned by senior team captain Emily Johnson and junior Briana Quinn with an assist by senior Vanessa Wirth. In the second half, Emily Johnson scored once again, this time with an assist by Nana Uemura.
On Oct. 13, Oberlin faced the North Coast Athletic Conference’s top-ranked team, The College of Wooster. In a hard-fought match, the Yeowomen lost 1-0, with Wooster’s one goal coming in an overtime period. The close match showed the Yeowomen to be equal to the skill level of the NCAC’s number one team. Oberlin finished the season in third place, shining above rivals Denison and Ohio Wesleyan, and resting just one place below the longtime dominant forces Wittenberg and Wooster.
On Oct. 15, Oberlin lost to Kenyon College 1-0. Pushing the Ladies back for the entire first half, the Yeowomen continued to act as aggressors. Though Kenyon was able to knock one goal in 21 minutes into the second half, Oberlin’s 18 shots on goal over Kenyon’s 13 proved the Yeowomen to be just as mighty a power. Earlier in the season they beat the Ladies 4-0. Kenyon finished last in the conference.
Fall break gave the Yeowomen a chance to forget school and focus on field hockey. On Oct. 20, the team traveled to Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, where their game ended with the Yeowomen on top 5-0.
Oberlin then went on to defeat Haverford 2-0, with both goals scored in the first half, one by senior Claire Sturm and one by junior Chaney Stewman. “Haverford was a really tough team, so it meant a lot to defeat them,” first-year Jamie Johnson said. “We worked together and focused more than in any other game.”
The next stop on the Yeowomen’s whirlwind warpath was Bryn Mawr College, where they won 5-0. Two goals were scored in the first half by Stewman and a third by Jaime Johnson. Goals in the second half were brought in by Stewman and Sturm.
Oberlin’s penultimate game was their second defeat of Transylvania University, with a final score of 5-1. Two goals were scored by Stewman with one assist by Sturm. Other goals were scored by Jamie Johnson with an assist by Stewman, Quinn with an assist by Jamie Johnson, and Sturm with an assist by Stewman. “The Transylvania game was pretty horrible,” Jaime Johnson said. “We were down 1-0 at the half, which was absolutely shocking considering we beat them no contest before. The second half was brilliant, though — we got things straightened out pretty fast.”
Then came the moment of truth, the Yeowomen’s game against University of the South at Kenyon College on Oct. 28. The 6-4 victory was a culmination of what was statistically the third-best season Oberlin’s field hockey program has ever seen.
A tension-filled 0-0 game went past double overtime to end in a penalty stroke competition. Senior and expert stroker Jenny Lusk-Yablick sent two balls to the cage, the other goals were smashed in by Stewman, Quinn and Jaime Johnson.
The NCAC honored several of the Yeowomen for their spectacular performances this season. On Oct. 28, Stewman was named the NCAC’s player of the week. Emerging as a star with her hard work over fall break, Stewman led the Yeowomen to three major victories. She scored five goals and dished out two assists during the Haverford, Bryn Mawr and Transylvania games. Stewman now leads the NCAC in scoring with 29 points in 17 games (1.71 points per game). Emily Johnson was the second place scoring leader for the conference.
Senior goalkeeper Pam Walker was the number one goalie in the conference, and achieved the highest save percentage of any Division III goalie in the country. Overall, the Yeowomen can look back with pride on a season played out with inspiring passion and intensity. “The five-game winning streak was a good way to end the season,” said Graham. “We finished with the best record I’ve seen in the two years I’ve been here.”
The end of a triumphant season also comes with a pang of sadness for many. Said Graham, “I will miss the team. This year’s senior class was fabulous, and they were a core part of the program.”
Jaime Johnson reflected on the team’s final moments playing together and said, “You could tell [from the U. of South performance] how close we were; it was good closure to the season. I love my teammates and I’m really going to miss them.”