Erik Strand (Fr.)

March 17, 2007 -- Looking to pick up their first win of the 2007 season, the Oberlin Yeomen traveled to Wittenberg University this afternoon for a North Coast Athletic Conference men's lacrosse contest. On a chilly day in Springfield, Head Coach Kevin Walz's squad put up a valiant fight against the Tigers, but host Wittenberg was able to score eight first-half goals en route to the 12-7 league victory. With the defeat, Oberlin slipped to 0-3 overall and 0-2 in NCAC play, while the Tigers improved to 2-1.

Wittenberg got off to a fast start today, scoring the first three goals of the game. Senior co-captain Bryan Harfenist got Oberlin onto the board with 4:06 left in the first quarter to bring his team to within two goals. After the Yeomen and Tigers traded goals, Wittenberg scored twice more to take a 6-2 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half.

In the second half, senior co-captain Ian Mark and first-year Erik Strand both scored two goals, but Wittenberg was able to hold on for the five-goal win. Strand and classmate Nick Sherman both had a pair of assists, while Strand had five ground balls. Junior goalkeeper Drew Zambelli led Yeomen with nine ground balls and 22 saves in 60 minutes of action.

Wittenberg was led by Jeff Capella, who netted five goals on seven shots.

Said Walz, "We had a lot of injuries that we were dealing with, but overall I was fairly pleased with our effort this afternoon."

Oberlin will play next on March 21 by hosting The College of Wooster for a 3:30 p.m. home contest.

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