OC Plague chokes on puck

After being whacked at home earlier this season, Case Western Reserve University finally found an antidote to the Oberlin Plague.

Oberlin blew a 2-0 lead to the Spartans and lost the game 5-4. Stupid penalties and a rusty goaltender hobbled the Plague in a contest they should have won.

Oberlin looked well on their way to an easy win in the first period. They quickly took control of the game, scoring two first-period goals. They increased their lead to 3-1 early in the second, but then the roof caved in.

Several Plaguers got a good view of the ice from the penalty box, as Case was presented with numerous man-up situations. "We had a bad rash of penalties," said sophomore Benjamin Bernard.

Each time the Sparatans scored, Oberlin picked their game up and responded. With the game at 2-1, Oberlin drew two penalties.

First-year Evan Kelley gave the Plague a five on three advantage, driving hard to the net with speed. Junior Greg Scranton scored on the ensuing face-off, rifling a slap-shot past the Case Western goalie.

Case Western then drew to within 3-2, and Kelly again exhibited great speed by driving to the net with the puck. He chipped the pill through the goalie, on a somewhat flukie goal.

With the score 4-2, Oberlin laid down and died. The Spartan's reeled off three goals, avenging their 6-1 home loss to the Plague earlier in the season. Oberlin is now 2-2 on the season.

This game saw the return of juniors Jon Gonelli and Ralph Cuseglio. They had been touring Europe last semester with their rock band. Cuseglio started in goal, his first time between the pipes in months.

Cuseglio made an amazing save on a Case Western two-man break away, but fatigue caught up with him in the latter stages of the game.

Oberlin practiced hard this week, in anticipation of their Saturday game at Kenyon College. Kenyon promptly canceled the game, due to scheduling problems.

"The league is very unorganized. This is our third canceled game," said Bernard.

Oberlin will now focus its efforts on their hated rivals, Denison University. Oberlin will battle the Fighting Scots on Feb. 21.