It is a euphoric time to be an Oberlin field hockey player and/or fan. After winning their 11th game of the season away to non-league opponent Washington and Jefferson 5-1 on Tuesday, Oct. 11, it is apparent that the Yeowomen are hitting their stride at the most crucial time of the season.

Oberlin experienced another successful week in league play that began with a 3-0 victory at Denison on Saturday, Oct. 8. Sophomore goalie Lauren Malinowski earned her third shutout of a very prolific season behind the net. Malinowski and the Oberlin defense have only given up 15 goals in 13 games.

The start of the Denison match was relatively quiet as Oberlin went into halftime tied 0-0, out-shooting their opponents 3-1. However, first-year Abigal Brox broke the deadlock with her seventh goal of the season, which was followed by another from fellow first-year Lela Hull. Senior Christine Castilla topped the game off with a goal from a penalty corner. Their solid defensive play was coupled with some fluid passing and attacking play. “Our passing game finally came back. We made some really smart passes, which resulted from better communication,” said senior Becky Shugar.

Heading into the second to last non-conference game of the season, Oberlin was looking to stay sharp for upcoming league games against Ohio Wesleyan, Earlham and Wittenberg. The Yeowomen did not wait long to inflict pain on the home team as they scored two goals in the first 25 minutes by Hull and sophomore Ashley Allen.

Washington and Jefferson pulled one back early after halftime, but Oberlin proved too much as they cruised to a comfortable win after one goal from Brox and two goals from senior co-captain Meg Reitz. Malinowski was more involved in this game, as she saved nine shots.

The week was also enjoyable for senior Rosemary Mudry, as she was named NCAC field hockey player of the week. Heading into the final four games of the season, the Yeowomen are focused on continuing their excellent run. “We just need to win all of the league games in order to secure home field advantage for the conference tournament. This would give us a better chance to make the NCAA tournament,” said Reitz. Oberlin plays Ohio Wesleyan after a week layoff on Oct. 18.