DePauw field hockey has extended its winning streak to seven games after back-to-back defeats of Ohio Wesleyan University and Rhodes College.
Senior Midfielder Chelsea Cutler was instrumental in both wins providing four goals over the weekend. The Tigers have now improved to 6-0 in the NCAC, and taken sole possession of first place.
DePauw's success has been greatly attributed to the team's all around high quality of play both offensively and defensively. DePauw has outshot six of their last seven opponents by 15 or more. The only exception in that span has been Denison University, DePauw's main rivals in a close match, but shutout performance nonetheless by the Tigers.
In the span of their seven-game winning streak, the Tigers have managed to concede only one goal. The Tigers have also exploded offensively scoring a staggering 25 goals over the same time span. In addition to winning seven games in a row, the Tigers also improved their NCAC winning streak to 20 games dating back to last season.
The Tigers now stand alone at the top of the standing in the NCAC with a 6-0 conference record, and an 8-3 overall record. The Tigers have not, however, found their way back into the NCAA top 20.
Cutler described the Tigers defense as a huge factor in DePauw's success not only overall, but offensively as well.
"When everyone plays good defense, it keeps the ball in their end of the field," said Cutler. "In most of our drills, defense is outnumbered, so we're used to it. We can handle being outnumbered, and stopping the attack which keeps the ball in their end."
Clearly, defense has been the best form of offense for the Tigers.
The Tigers defeated Ohio Wesleyan in an NCAC matchup 3-0 on Saturday. Cutler completed the hat trick scoring all three goals in the contest.
"I always try to put myself in the right place at the right time to help out my teammates. It's all about practice," Cutler said. Practice appears to be paying off for Cutler as she continues to contribute both offensively and defensively for the Tigers.
Rhodes also could not match the Tigers, falling 4-0 to the winning Tigers machine that keeps on rolling. Junior forward Paige Henry continued stay in goal-scoring form, starting off the scoring just under 11 minutes in on an assist by Cutler.
Junior forward Maggie Campbell also contributed on the score sheet putting the Tigers up 2-0 going into half time. The Tigers added two more in the second half on Cutler's goal assisted by sophomore midfielder Grace Goodbarn, who later added an unassisted goal of her own with just under seven minutes remaining.
The Tigers look to continue their winning ways as they take on NCAC opponent Wittenberg University on Saturday in Springfield, Ohio. Wittenberg stands at 3-3 in the NCAC with a 5-6 overall record.