Kenyon has field hockey's number, 3-0

Despite their countless breakaways and attacks on goal, Oberlin's field hockey team lost to Kenyon College 3-0 Wednesday.

In the first half coach Mindy Manolovich said, "It's these silly mistakes that happen inside the circle which we can't afford."

Minutes into the second half Kenyon scored again and Oberlin pulled up the level of intensity by constantly pressing Kenyon defense.

Junior Kate Daloz had a shot on goal which narrowly missed the cage.

Oberlin pulled up their defense late in the second half when junior Ellen Scott made a breakaway which got blocked in the circle by extra defense which Kenyon pulled in; this quickly caught Oberlin off guard when the ball was shot down in Oberlin's defensive end and Kenyon made use of the opportunity to put sophomore goalie Liz Breakstone in a one-on-one position.

The play resulted in a Kenyon scoring, bringing the score to 3-0 late in the second half.

After the game, captain junior Jessica Toubman said, "We lost, but we're coming into a lot of momentum and did some good things out there today. We're hungry for it and ready for this weekend."

When asked about the upcoming games coach Manolovich said, "This weekend is Oberlin Field Hockey's parents weekend, so it will be a good time for extra support. We'll be playing back-to-back games and we need to play with heart. As for the season's close I'm thinking positive. The teams tactical game is excellent. We need to work on decision making and creating aggressiveness out there. Defensive control is key - we need to dictate the plays and support with the midfield."

Saturday's game against Ohio Wesleyan University resulted in a 1-3 loss. Oberlin had beaten Ohio Wesleyan earlier this season.

First-year Gretchen Wachter said, "Both teams really wanted that game."

Lydia Ries, a first-year, and only Oberlin player to score during Saturday's game said, "We played well, but we just didn't have enough shots on goal."

Oberlin plays second-ranked Wittenberg University Saturday and Frostberg State University Sunday.

Stick it: First-year Lydia Reis goes for a ball against Kenyon. (photo by Whitney Smith)