Oberlin men’s lacrosse lost to Wittenberg University 15-5 in last Saturday’s game. Marked by freezing rain, high winds, flooding fields and injury, the game was anything but picture perfect.

The Yeomen came out hard, taking an early lead against Wittenberg. At the close of the first quarter the Yeomen were up 3-2; unfortunately, the Yeomen could not maintain their first quarter drive for the duration of the game.

The Yeomen fell apart in the second half, giving up nine goals, which they attributed both to the weather and to the loss of all-NCAC goalkeeper junior Jared Pickard, who injured his shoulder in the second quarter.

“After a good start things fell apart,” said senior Dan Cole.

“We came out strong, confident and creative. As soon as that momentum died, we got confused, heavy-footed, and Jared got hurt,” reflected junior Will Jaffee. “[First-year] Drew [Zambelli] made some great saves, but I think something happened to the defense as Jared went out. And it was cold, wet and horrible.”

First-year George “Moose” Terry was not so quick to blame the weather. He seemed to feel that complacency and the absence of desire was at the heart of Saturday’s loss. “There have been so many games where we just shoot ourselves in the foot and did not perform the way we could have,” he said. “It was a game which was decided by who wanted it more and I believe the score showed how much more Wittenberg wanted it. Our season, record and game performances have been full of us being satisfied with mediocrity. We do one thing well and we just say, ‘Okay, that’s good enough,’ and stop performing the way we should.”

While most are disappointed with the 3-10 overall record and 0-4 turnout in conference play, not all players feel that this record accurately reflects the flavor of their season. “On paper the season was largely disappointing. On the field, however, more progress was made this season than I’ve seen on any other team in the same short amount of time,” said Terry.

Despite their progress, the Yeomen were disappointed again on Wednesday afternoon, falling 13-3 to the College of Wooster. The Yeomen had a slow start, letting in five unanswered goals in the first half. Halftime failed to rally Oberlin as they let in six third quarter goals. Sophomore Ian Dias scored one goal while fellow sophomore Bryan Harfenist netted one. An overeager Wooster longpole helped the Yeomen out by scoring the third goal. Jaffee rounded out the offensive efforts with an impressive assist. Despite moments of dazzling play the Yeomen were unable to capitalize on offensive opportunities, nor were they able to shut down the Wooster attack.

The Yeomen have one game remaining on their schedule, a Wednesday game against NCAC rival Kenyon. The Lords are 4-8 on the season and 1-2 in the conference.