The Oberlin College Women’s field hockey team’s determination and effort were again evident this week as the NCAC season finally got underway. The team had back-to-back overtime games, losing 1-0 against conference opponent Kenyon on Thursday and winning in double overtime 4-3 against DePauw on Sunday.

Although non-conference games are interspersed throughout the season, Oberlin’s quest for the league championship began at Kenyon. The Yeowomen dominated the entire game, outshooting their opponents 17-8 and leading in penalty corners 13-8.

Senior Megan Reitz led the team with five shots. Sophmore goalie Lauren Malinowski helped keep Oberlin in the game, saving six shots. In the end, Kenyon scored on an unassisted ball in the box during the first overtime. Though it was the first loss of the season, the team walked away knowing they must take advantage of their chances.

“The game opened our eyes that we need to score and have better finishing,” Malinowski said.

There was not much time for sulking however, with their next game two days later against DePauw. The Yeowomen produced another entertaining game, this time coming out on top 4-3 after double overtime. Junior Claire Cheney scored the winning goal in what was deemed by Malinowski as an “amazing shot.”

The team could not have won without the clutch scoring of first-year Lela Hull, who put the game into overtime with two of the three goals. Fellow first-year Abigail “Prunie” Brox scored the other.

According to Malinowski, the team had a slow start to the game, playing a little sluggishly before they finally picked up speed. The win took Oberlin’s record to 3-1 overall, with their second conference game away against Wooster. Oberlin won that game 1-0. Oberlin travels to Earlham for a NCAC match-up on Saturday.