Women's soccer allows many goals, drops two

The women's soccer team seems to be falling asleep during key moments of their games as often in their second halves they have allowed several goals within minutes of each other.

It was these groups of defensive errors that led to their recent losses: 4-1 to Wittenberg University, Saturday, and 5-0 to the College of Wooster, Wednesday, making them 3-8 overall.

"We just usually have a short period when we break down," junior Sarah Allen said.

During the game against Wittenberg, Oberlin was losing 1-0 at the half. The last three goals of the other team were scored between 51:36 and 54:40.

"We've played well for 80-85 minutes and lost focus for five minutes," Head Coach Blake New said.

The Yeowomen play better second halves than first halves. The only goal scored during the Wittenburg game, made by junior Lisa Novins, came during the second half. The goal was Novin's tenth goal of the season.

Oberlin has been playing fairly good defense, but they seem to be having trouble with offense.

"When we get the ball, we panic," New said. He added that the Yeowomen often failed to utilize the scoring chances that they had.

The game against Wooster was more of the same.

The team went from the half-time score of 2-0 to the final score of 5-0 in a matter of minutes, with two of their goals heading right past goalie first-year Katherine Lanovetta.

Junior Nicole James was injured during a late tackle but will probably be back for Saturday's game, according to New.

"We never really had control of the game," co-captain senior Katherine Roberts said.

Oberlin's game picked up markedly in the second half, despite the lapse.

Both defense and offense improved, though not enough to really put up a contest to Wooster.

"I think that if we had played at the level we were playing at for most of the game for the whole game we would have done a lot better," senior Alina Potrzebowski said.

Oberlin plays Penn State-Behrend College on Saturday and feels optimistic.

"I think we're completely ready to beat them," Potrzebowski said.

Keep away: First-year Zora Tucker adroitly keeps her defender away with shimmering footwork. (photo by Laren Rusin)

Bottom Photo:

Greetings: Captain senior Katherine Roberts challenges for the ball (photo by Laren Rusin)