Field hockey drops two in frustrating games

Over the past week the Oberlin field hockey team suffered two defeats, but they were by no means outworked or outplayed. Saturday the Yeowomen dropped 4-1 to Denison and on Tuesday slipped to Slippery Rock 3-0.

Against Denison, head coach Mindy Manolovich wanted the team on the offensive from the beginning. Co-captain senior Jesse Robinson answered the call, scoring within the first five minutes of the game off a cornerplay by junior Maggie McFalls. Despite a tough Big Red offensive, goalkeeper first-year Pam Walker made 11 saves. The loss to Denison gives the Yeowomen a 3-4 record within NCAC conference play.

Oberlin pounded 11 shots at the Denison goalkeeper. Back on defense, goalkeeper Walker had seven saves in goal. "It seemed like our passing game was on. We dominated play. We had some great breakaways from B [Chatfield] and Emily [Johnson]. Jessica Raynor's enthusiasm and encouragement really elevated the spirits of the team," Walker said.

First-year Emily Johnson said, "We were not outplayed but just failed to capitalize on corners and fast breaks."

So despite playing their typically finesse game, Oberlin couldn't get the right breaks at the right times.

The score of the Slippery Rock defeat is an inaccurate portrayal of the level of the Yeowomen's play. Down only 1-0 until the last five minutes of the game, the Yeowomen certainly held their own.

To solidify team chemistry, the Yeowomen will be headed roller-skating this weekend. Hopefully this will provide the recipe for victory in their next game against University of the South at Wittenberg Saturday.

Ready, aim, fire!: An opposing winger launches an offensive assault upon the Oberlin field hockey team. (photo by Beth O'Brien)