The members of Oberlin’s field hockey team are guaranteed to log plenty of playing time this season.
As recently as last week it looked as if new head coach Deb Ranieri’s Yeowomen would barely have enough players to field a team. Fortunately, they have since been able to recruit enough new players to give the starters a breather.
Ranieri has taken over the job from former coach Liz Graham. Ranieri has previously worked as an assistant field hockey coach for Division III schools Susquehanna University and the College of New Jersey. She has already won over her Yeowoman players.

“Deb [Ranieri] has been incredible,” senior Briana Quinn said. “We have been having so much fun with her. And we expect to have a great season with her.”
Quinn and fellow senior Chaney Stewman are among those expected to step in to fill the void left by last year’s talented senior class, which included high-scorer Emily Johnson. Stewman was second on the team with 10 goals and led the North Coast Athletic Conference by averaging 1.61 goals per game. Quinn contributed four goals and three assists last year while playing midfield and defense.
The Yeowomen look to start first-year Frederica Bepler in goal this year. Bepler will have some big shoes to fill, as graduated goalkeeper Pam Walker posted the NCAC’s best save percentage last season.
With the added numbers, the team will be about the same size as last year’s as they try to improve on Oberlin’s 5-7 conference and 11-7 overall records.
“I am excited for the season and believe that we have a good group and are going to be challenging for the top of the conference again this year,” Quinn said.