Soccer crushes overmatched Adrian women

Just days after handing Hiram College a 7-2 drubbing, the Oberlin Women's soccer team trounced Adrian by an 8-0 margin, a spread that made the match seem closer than it really ever was.

Led by a hat trick from senior Lisa Novins, and another pair of goals from junior Maia Skutel, the Yeowomen outshot Adrian 35-1. The keys to Wednesday's success was a combination of crisp passing, aggressive play up front, and a relentless defense, which staked its claim to the scoring with a magnificent goal from senior Tikvah Myers late in the second half.

Myers found herself 25 yards from goal, looked for a pass, but received no pressure from a tired Adrian defense. Instead, she took her time and struck a brilliant ball in the upper right corner, giving Adrian's vertically challenged goalie no chance at stopping it. Skutel also took advantage of the goalie's height with a crafty chip shot for her second goal.

With all the scoring, Oberlin's two keepers found few challenges. Keepers first-year Julie Noyes and senior Katy Hansen combined for one save during the whole game.

Coach Blake New gave his assessment of what keyed the scoring onslaught, "We possessed the ball, better than we have all season," he said. "Their coach had his team well organized, but we were able to draw back, and then hit the right people up front."

When asked how she felt about the victory, team captain senior Rachel Maguire said, "We're just proud of our Tikvah," referring to the rare goal by the senior defender. Hansen commended the midfield and was encouraged by the team's aggressive play.

The team could not have asked for better psychological preparation heading into Saturday's road match against tough league opponent Ohio Wesleyan. A two game goal differential of 14-2 should give the Yeowomen momentum as they enter battle with the perennial powerhouse.

However, New was wary, saying "I don't think it was excellent preparation for Ohio Wesleyan. We weren't pushed like we would have liked to be. But we'll keep a high intensity level in practice, and I think we'll come in prepared."

The Yeowomen play Tiffin Wednesday.