Field hockey wins one, drops two

Winning shots scored with minutes to remain

After losing the first game of their season to Wittenburg, the Oberlin field hockey team tenaciously bounced back on Sept. 9 to defeat Kenyon 2-1 on the road.

While their victory was not flawless, the two teams were evenly matched. The Yeowomen were competitive with nine shots on goal to Kenyon's 10.

Head coach Mindy Manolovich attributed Oberlin's victory, in part, to Kenyon's frustration. "[Kenyon] didn't play as good of a game as they usually do. Their goalie was young and we easily exposed their defense capitalizing on forced mistakes," she said.

The game was tied 0-0 throughout the entire first half. Kenyon took a quick 1-0 lead in the beginning of the second half. Calling for a time-out, the Yeowomen regrouped, hoping to slow down the pace and change the momentum of the game. Manolovich's decision proved strategically correct.

First-year Jenny Lusk-Yablick, assisted by junior Maggie McFalls, scored the tying goal shortly after the time-out with twenty minutes left. With three minutes left, Oberlin savior sophomore Danyel Brisk caged the game winner with an assist by first-year Vanessa Wirth.

Saturday, the Yeowomen ventured back to Kenyon to wield their swords against Depauw. Oberlin goalies senior Liz Breakstone and first-year Pam Walker combined for 17 saves. However, Depauw managed to sneak one by as they held on to a 1-0 shutout. Manolovich said Depauw was a physical team, but Oberlin stepped up to match their physical play. Assistant coach Lucinda Tokarski said the Yeowomen played a strong game but just couldn't bring it all together.

The Yeowomen suffered another gaping wound Sunday as they were axed by Ohio Wesleyan in a 4-1 defeat. Tokarski vouched that the score was an inaccurate reflection how well the team contended. She said, "We played a tight game but we just couldn't get the ball in the cage." Oberlin outshot Ohio Wesleyan 20-18. McFalls scored the team's lone goal.

According to Manolovich, the Yeowomen played well as a team but inconsistent defense and the inability to cash in on cornerplays accounted for the loss.

At the end of the week, the Yeowomen posted an overall record of 1-3, remaining 1-2 in their own conference.

Much of the slow start is due to inexperience as the Yeowomen have a young squadron with five first-year starters.

Tokarski says the team as a whole has a very positive attitude and work ethic.

Hopefully, this will pay off as the Yeowomen attempt to regain their footing against Wittenburg this Friday and Earlham on Saturday.

Their next home game is against Wooster on Wednesday, Sept. 23.