Field Hockey nets OT victory

A blistering Sunday afternoon was the unlikely setting for victory last week as the Yeowomen put everything they had into a grueling 4-3 double overtime win against conference rival Kenyon College. The victory ended a three game slump for Oberlin, but failed to start a winning streak as the Yeowomen were defeated by Wooster 1-0 on Wednesday.

As has become their trademark, the Yeowomen started the game against Kenyon with a powerful attack on offense. But, with the temperature hovering just under 90 degrees, Kenyon struck first. "We definitely had control of everything until [Kenyon's] first score," said sophomore goalkeeper Pam Walker. The score reinvigorated the Oberlin attack. Walker said, "I think we knew that we had to win."

Oberlin's first goal, netted by senior Maggie McFalls, tied the game at 1-1. Despite Kenyon's attempts to step up defensively, sophomore Emily Johnson scored the subsequent go-ahead goal with just over three minutes left in the first half. McFalls would score again but Kenyon would score twice in the second half, tying the game at 3-3 and forcing the Yeowomen into their third overtime this season.

Following a scoreless 15 minute first overtime period, sophomore Vanessa Wirth put the winning goal home seven minutes into the second overtime to give the exhausted Oberlin squad a well deserved victory. Oberlin is now 2-1 in OT situations, a testimony to the players' considerable stamina as well as their ability to work effectively under pressure. According to Walker, endurance was the key. "We definitely tired Kenyon out," she said. "And we beat them that way."

The game was something of a turning point for an Oberlin team whose 3-4 record in the NCAC record fails to reflect the strides these players have made. "I think that this win reminded us how hard we can work," sophomore Jessica Raynor said. "To win a game in double overtime is exceptional."

After Oberlin's recent three-game scoring drought - just one goal in total against DePauw, Wooster and Ohio Wesleyan - the 4-3 win was a breath of fresh air. According to junior Danyel Brisk, the team's sudden scoring power represents significant progress. "We're really pulling things together," she said. "It was a really good passing game." Brisk, who normally is the first reserve called on during a game, started Saturday and was a key contributor to an offense that provided Kenyon with little chance to rest.

When asked what still needs to be done to improve the team, junior Annabeth Macy responded with confidence. "I feel like, at this point, it's kind of like fine-tuning," she said.

Oberlin head coach Elizabeth Graham agreed that her team has made great strides since the start of the season. "[We] improve by leaps and bounds with every game," she said. "While the scoreboard doesn't always reflect it, the team is continuing to improve considerably."

Many players cited good old-fashioned willpower as the decisive element of success against Kenyon. "At that point [in double overtime], when both teams are so tired, the team that wants it more is going to win," said Raynor.

On Wednesday, the weather gods continued their assault against Oberlin, bringing on heavy showers that made for a soggy 1-0 loss to Wooster. Willpower was once again the name of the game against Oberlin's longtime rival. "There was a little bit of an attitude of revenge," said Macy. Oberlin had already dropped a 2-0 decision to the Fighting Scots earlier in the season.

Macy cited the foul weather as a factor in the loss, but not as a decisive one. Coach Graham agreed. "[Rain is] a difficult condition to play under," she said, "but it affects both teams equally." Graham gave Wooster credit for tight passing and outstanding ball control. "They have some players who are capable of hitting the ball from endline to endline," Graham said, noting the offensive strength Wooster brings into games.

Wooster scored the game's lone goal early in the first half off of a penalty corner [ed. note- similar to a corner kick in soccer, this gives the opposition a shot from the corner of the field following a penalty by one team], and continued to pressure Oberlin's defense for the remainder of the game. Despite Wooster's offensive strength, OC managed to be a threatening presence around the Wooster goal, mounting several promising but ultimately unsuccessful drives. Graham saw the game as one in which neither team dominated. "I felt like we played them very evenly," she said. Much of the action took place around the midfield area, as both teams focused alternately on passing and intercepting opposing passes.

Wednesday's loss was darkened by an injury to senior co-captain Maggie McFalls when a Wooster player's stick accidentally struck her in the face during a free shot. The wound, which required six stitches to close, prevented McFalls from returning to the game Wednesday and may keep her from playing against Denison University on Saturday. McFalls and sophomore Emily Johnson are currently tied for the team lead in goals scored. Johnson and McFalls are currently first and second, respectively, in shots on goal.

Denison University is undefeated in conference play and currently ranked first in the NCAC. But they can be conquered, according to Macy. "The best way to prepare for Denison," she said, "is to pick up team confidence." She emphasized the importance of recognizing Denison's strength without being intimidated by their reputation as an unbeatable team. Most of the Yeowomen seem to agree that the conference is very evenly matched this year. With any luck, however, Oberlin can break out of the pack - and an upset this Saturday at Denison would certainly set the right tone.

They may have to do it without McFalls, but setbacks, regardless of their size, haven't stopped the team from giving it all they have all season long. The Yeowomen embark on a four game conference series starting with Denison this Saturday at noon and play home against Ohio Wesleyan, Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.