The Oberlin College women’s lacrosse team traveled to Denison University on Sunday, Feb. 19 to compete in a five-team tournament against Denison, Kenyon, Wittenberg and Ohio Wesleyan. The Yeowomen played four short 25 minute games throughout the day.

Despite the informality of the tournament, Oberlin was able to gain confidence and excitement for the upcoming season.

“The scrimmage gave me a rush of passionate anticipation to spend the next two months with these incredible women,” commented sophomore Kaitlin Barrer. “We are really going to go places this season.”

Along with adjusting to playing together as a whole, the Yeowomen had to get used to a change in rules. Starting this season, all Division III women’s lacrosse games will be following international rules.

In the past, the rules stated that if the ball went out of bounds, the official stopped the play and whichever team was closest got the ball. Following international guidelines, the rules now state that if the ball goes out of bounds, it is a turnover and the other team gets it.

First-year Lela Hull is not bothered by the change in rules; however, she is disappointed that the game is deviating from its original form.

“Women’s lacrosse is most similar to the ancient traditional lacrosse played by the Native Americans where there was no out of bounds and they would play in three miles worth of woods,” commented Hull.  “However, this year the women’s game has taken a rapid transition toward the men’s game with a new out-of-bounds rule similar to other sports like soccer or field hockey.”

Hull admits that the rules will take a little getting used to, but believes that her team will adapt quickly.

The Yeowomen graduated their goalie last year and were unable to recruit a new one.

Sophomore Ashley Allen had to quickly become accustomed to playing in goal. She accidentally blocked a few shots with her forehead while acclimating to her new position.

Allen, who began playing lacrosse last year, decided to take on the challenge of goalkeeper this season.

“I had a lot of fun in the tournament but at the same time it was very scary,” said Allen. “Imagine being shot at by a hard rubber ball from about four feet away. It is difficult to anticipate where the ball is going and then act quick enough to stop it.”

The Yeowomen played well, with standout performances by sophomore Beth Gula and senior Beth Sebian. Sophomore Rose Reid showed some smart moves on the field while first-year Grace Eginton had a spectacular goal.

“It was so exciting to see our new players step up,” added Gula. “We were able to translate a lot of what we’ve been working on in practices into game situations.”

The women’s lacrosse team has another month until their first non-conference match on March 21 against Notre Dame. Their first home game will be on April 15 against Ohio Wesleyan. Until then, you can catch them practicing up a storm in Jones field house or in the weight room showing off their battle wounds from the tournament this past weekend.

“I have some great bruises, so I might just have to wear shorts this week despite the cold weather to show them off,” concluded Allen.