Field Hockey Dominates At Rhodes In Memphis

Oberlin Defeats Hanover and Kenyon at IRFHT

It is was a season to remember, filled with pain, hard work and ultimately, triumph. With the end of the field hockey season always comes a belly-full of nostalgia and eyes full of tears. Despite such sadness the season ended well with a 3-0 victory over Hanover and a 3-1 victory over Kenyon.

Both victories came last weekend at the Intra-Regional Field Hockey Tournament hosted by Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. The Yeowomen finished their best season since 1994 with a record of 8-9-0 and 5-7-0 in the conference.

In their first match against Hanover, Oberlin displayed their versatile arsenal, giving first-year Ilana Turoff the start in goal and handing the torch to first-year Christina Pienat for the second half. Junior Pamela Walker said she was off "trying to score another goal," which "didn't really pan out."

After Oberlin rolled over Hanover, the Yeowomen went on to meet with a Kenyon team which they had already beaten three times this year, once by two goals and the other a shut-out, 4-0.

This time was no different. Oberlin dominated the game. Only fifteen minutes into the first half senior Annabeth Macy, junior Emily Johnson, and sophomore Chaney Stewman had each scored a goal.

"Our performance in Memphis sums up the kind of team we want to play like all the time," sophomore Briana Quinn said.

"The best part of my sports experience at Oberlin was that each year we improved. My freshman year we were absolutely dismal ‹ we only beat Earlham," senior B. Chatfield said. "Each year we have improved consistantly, but nothing compares to this year. It was incredible, not only the victories but the friendships we had on the team and the constant energy that the group carried."

This year will be tough to match, especially because three key seniors will not be returning to the team. Chatfield, Macy and fellow senior Julia Rosenberg all contributed greatly through out their careers at Oberlin

However, there is much promise in the roster that has been built over the past few years. Many of Oberlin's top producers both offensively and defensively will still be here to compete.

One such returning player is Johnson, who scored three goals over the weekend and was named NCAC player of the week for the second time this season. She finished second in scoring in the conference with 13 goals and two assists.

With some push from the coaching staff, the off season will produce some good recruits and time to plan for the upcoming season.

"I can't wait for next year," Walker said.