The Oberlin Review
<< Front page Sports October 6, 2006

Field Hockey Struggles in Front of Goal

The Oberlin women’s field hockey team has dropped four consecutive games. The two most recent losses were tightly contested matches between Denison and Washington and Jefferson. Oberlin has slid to 4-6 overall and 2-3 in the NCAC.

The first game against Denison was an uphill fight for the majority of the game. Early on, Denison struck twice, jumping out to a 2-0 lead just 12 minutes into the match. These goals would prove to be the only tallies on the scoreboard for the duration of the match. Although Oberlin looked stellar at times, the opponent outshot the Yeowomen 31-24, holding a 17-7 advantage on penalty corners.

Junior Christine Politis led the offense, making eight shots, while senior co-captain Claire Cheney fired five shots and junior Ashley Allen added three attempts. A penalty shot by senior co-captain Samantha Kyrcostas in the second half could have put Oberlin on the board, providing greatly needed momentum, but the attempt was foiled by Denison keeper Carter Hartung.

The goal drought continued against Washington and Jefferson. Again, the Yeowomen found themselves down at halftime, scrambling in the second half to find some magic. Oberlin junior keeper Lauren Malinowski was a huge presence, tallying 12 saves against a barrage of shots by the opponent. Also notable on the defensive end was the tough play of sophomore Holly Sloofman, who now tops the NCAC in defensive saves.

Offensively, the Yeowomen continued to come up empty handed. Politis led the way again with eight shots, while Cheney, Allen and junior Leslie Ruster each added one shot.

“At this point, we’re all pretty frustrated,” says Head Coach Deb Ranieri. “Basics, we need to get back to the basic fundamentals. That’s what we’re working on right now.”

The Oberlin women’s field team won the NCAC last year and there is no doubt that the Yeowomen are “the team to beat.” Every team wants a piece of the reigning NCAC champs, especially considering the fact that the Yeowomen have no substitutes.

In a game that could make or break their season, the field hockey team will attempt to regain some confidence when they travel to Delaware, Ohio to take on Ohio Wesleyan at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 10.


 
 
   

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