If one were to look up “domination” in the dictionary, the definition would read “the Oberlin field hockey team.” This word barely describes what the Yeowomen have accomplished over the past week, as they won three games in a row in NCAC play, scoring 12 goals and only giving up two, thus moving themselves to a tie for first in the league.

On Wednesday, Sept. 14, junior Claire Cheney helped dig out a crucial away win at Wooster, scoring her second straight game-winning goal and in the process obtaining Oberlin’s first league win. Although the score line was extremely close, the stats show the Yeowomen had 30 shots on goal, compared to Wooster’s 11.

Three days later, Oberlin, the fifth-highest scoring offense in the nation at the time, made the journey to Indiana to face Earlham. A team already receiving recognition for its ability to score goals, Oberlin did not disappoint as they tallied five goals in the first half in an eventual 7-1 thrashing, along with 32 shots on goal compared to Earlham’s eight. Sophomore goalkeepers Lauren Malinowski and Sheera Bornstein only had to make one save the entire game.

It was a real team game, as six different people scored, with senior and co-captain Meg Reitz grabbing two goals. First-year Prunie Brox had another strong game, recording a goal and two assists. Fellow first-year Holly Sloofman was one of the players who provided a spark off the bench, hitting all four of her shots on target. According to Sloofman, Oberlin came out in the second half a little relaxed and gave up an early goal before finishing strong.

“We are working on not underestimating opponents and just focusing on coming out and working hard each game,” she said.

All the previous success and Oberlin’s overall 5-1 record would have been meaningless if they had not taken care of business against formerly number one-ranked NCAC opponent, Ohio Wesleyan on Wednesday, Sept. 21. Going into the match tied for second, Oberlin knew they had to win. The first half was an intense battle, as both teams remained deadlocked at half, 1-1. However, the Yeowomen came alive in the second halftime, scoring three unanswered goals and winning 4-1. First-year Lela Hull had two goals, while senior Christine Castilla and Brox both added one each.

As sophomore Christine Politis put it, “We went in hard the entire game and came out [sweaty].”

First-year Grace Eginton also praised the attitude of the team.

“We came out pumped and we wanted it more than them,” she said.

Oberlin is now tied for first place with a 3-1 record overall in the league. They play Denison University at home on this Saturday at noon.