Women's lax struggles early

Three conference championships in five years have established the OC women's lacrosse team as nothing short of a powerhouse in the NCAC. The stick-wielding femmes are among the most successful teams at Oberlin and can be counted on to deliver all the things you expect from a champion: grit, determination, power, finesse and heart. That said, the team's '99 season is off to a less-than-stellar start. Fortunately, the worst part of their schedule is clearly behind them, and their path to another championship, while far from paved with gold, is certainly not rocky.

Oberlin's season began over 900 miles in the balmy climate of Panama City, Florida. A week of scrimmages and games tested the women's mettle and result in a misleading 1-2 record. The Yeowomen felled Massachusets Institute of Technology 9-8, but would later lose to Hamilton College 14-9 and Bowdoin College 18-8.

"We played some good teams," senior co-captain Kim Allen said, "but there are definitely a lot of things we could have done differently. The trip was a good team bonding experience. We got a lot of practice in scrimmages and games [and] we can see where we are and where we need to go."

Oberlin opened conference play Sunday at home against Denison. The always-dangerous Big Red team threw their dominating offense - which currently averages 25 goals a game - at the Yeowomen. Oberlin put up a good fight, but they were unable to escape a 10-4 halftime deficit, eventually falling 18-10. Sophomore Lydia Ries tallied five goals and an assist in the loss.

The ladies looked to even the score when they traveled to Ohio Wesleyan Wednesday. Oberlin went into the half leading 4-3, but OWU scored six straight to open the second half. Oberlin matched that with a five-goal run of their own, including goals from sophomore Maggie McFalls, Ries, Allen and senior co-captain Cecily Beane. That rally tied the game at nine. Each team was able to tack on another goal prior to the end of regulation.

"It was anyone's game," said Beane. "We played extremely well, and we had a near-miss at the end of regulation that would have won it for us." Instead the teams entered a six minute overtime period, and OWU managed to score with under a minute left to take the win 11-10.

"Denison and Ohio Wesleyan are our toughest competition in the conference, and those were our first two games coming back," said Allen. But Beane vowed that the Yeowomen would have revenge - if given the opportunity. "If we meet [either team] again, we'll beat them," she said.

The talent of their opponents is compounded this year by the team's smaller size. Currently they number 15 players, which only allows for three subs. This size creates difficulties in both keeping the on-the-field players fresh and scrimmaging during their practices.

Both captains think the team is doing very well in spite of its handicaps. "I feel extremely confident in this team," said Beane. "Although it's a young team, they're very willing to put the effort in and the [veterans and newcomers] are blending very well."

"We're going to have a winning season," Allen promised, "and we have a strong chance to defend our title." When asked if she felt a three-peat was in the team's future, Beane said "I definitely do. It won't be as clear a shot as the last two years, but we can win it again."

The Yeowomen play Wooster at home on Saturday at 1:30.