Field hockey loses two in front of home crowd

The home crowd did not help the field hockey team end their losing ways as they dropped two games at home this week.

On Saturday, the Yeowomen lost 2-1 to Ohio Wesleyan University in double overtime. The team was not able to rebound from this loss, falling 3-0 to the College of Wooster on Wednesday.

Their overall record stands at one win, and eleven losses.

Oberlin fought hard in their loss to Ohio Wesleyan. The fact that they took the game into double overtime certainly reflects this, as does the shot on goal total. Oberlin took 22 shots on Saturday, a good tally for the defensively minded Yeowomen.

The game's conclusion hinged on a questionable call. Off a corner shot, the ball bounced off of Senior Captain Jessica Toubman's stick, into the goal. The shot was high, but the referees judged the goal to be good.

The Yeowomen also played before a crowd of family and friends. It was Parents Weekend for the team. Despite the added support, Oberlin still fell short of a victory.

The Yeowomen have had some battles lately. Their double-overtime loss to Ohio Wesleyan followed an overtime loss to Kenyon College.

Close games have been a killer for the Yeowomen as, so far, they have had five games decided by one goal. These games could have easily gone their way, but they just have not had the breaks.

Coach Mindy Manolovich said, "We don't want to win a game on a break. We want to earn our victories, but we wouldn't mind some luck.."

On Wednesday, the Yeowomen played poorly in the loss to Wooster. The Fighting Scots quickly jumped to a 1-0 lead, and never relinquished the game.

Despite flashes of good play, like first-year Danyel Brisk's superb stick work, Oberlin could not manage a goal. They had several good opportunities on corner shots, but just couldn't pull the trigger for a score.

The Yeowomen played an uninspired game, to put it lightly. Junior Melissa Ghareeb said, "It could have gone better. We definitely did not play up to our potential."

Most of the drama in this game did not occur on the field, however.

Sophomore Todd Daloz, brother of Senior Kate Daloz, was asked to leave the game for his exuberant cheering. Following the start of the second half, with the Yeowomen down 2-0, Daloz put his game program to use. He began to call out to Wooster's players, questioning their play, and hometowns. He was overheard saying, "Hey Kathy, how come their not passing to you. Was it like that in North Granby?".

While he succeeded in entertaining the fans, the officials were not amused. One referee, known as the "Braided Ref" by the Yeowomen for the long braid she wears, stopped the game twice in response to Daloz's cheering.

The first time, the Director of Athletics and Physical Education Donald Hunsinger asked the fans not to direct negative comments at the players. The cheering seemed to regress, but the "Braided Ref" stopped the game shortly afterwards, and addressed the problem with Manolovich. Manolovich sternly marched towards the stands, and told Daloz to leave.

This was not the first time that Daloz locked horns with the "Braided Ref". "She yelled at me a bunch of times last year. I don't think anyone yelled anything at the point she stopped it the second time," he said.

It is hard to say what the Yeowomen thought of Daloz's behavior. Not willing to speak for the rest of the team, sophomore Maggie McFalls said, "He's our best fan. That particular ref has a bad reputation with Todd."

Regardless of fan behavior, the Yeowomen failed to earn a victory this week in front of enthusiastic home crowds though their play has improved significantly since earlier in the season.

Competitive games against Division power-houses Ohio Wesleyan and Kenyon prove the Yeowomen can play with the best, though they still only have one win to show for their efforts.

Shall we dance?: Field hockey players during a game on North Field. The team couldn't manage to reel in a win. (photo by Mike Oleson)