The Tigers traveled to Virginia this weekend, confident their two opening games would set the tone for the season ahead.
The women's field hockey team opened its season Saturday against Bridgewater University. And despite putting 12 shots on goal in the first half, the Tigers were down 1-0 going into halftime.
"We were looking to do things individually rather than working the ball together, and waiting to set up that perfect shot," said head coach Gina Wills.
The team's hesitation was eliminated in the second half as the Tigers took the opportunity to score three goals in less than five minutes. Sophomores Maggie Campbell and Paige Henry led the team with a combined three assists and two goals.
"Historically, our team has gotten better throughout the game, and we realized that we have the ability to score more goals in the second half," said senior Caroline Torie. "I think we were actually outplaying Bridgewater in the first half. We just couldn't get the ball in the net."
DePauw left the field with a 5-3 win, and prepared to play No. 7 nationally ranked Lynchburg College on Sunday.
Last season, Lynchburg downed the Tigers 8-2. The loss was fresh in Torie's mind and other seniors' memories.
DePauw's plan, Wills said, was to carry over its second half performance and confidence from Bridgewater, to stay focused on their own ability to compete and to work as one strong unit both offensively and defensively.
Lynchburg's long passes and quick offense made for a deadly combo in the first half as they scored three unanswered goals leaving the Tigers down 3-0.
"I always say to think two passes ahead, but for them two passes was a lot bigger than what we were used to," Wills said.
The team adjusted in the second half to spread out its play and utilize the field, picking up tempo to hold Lynchburg defensively. The Tigers put 11 shots on goal, and senior Margaret Ellis found the net twice, but fell short from Lynchburg's first half, losing 3-2.
"To be able to say we were this close to winning against a team that went to the elite eight last year is a huge step for the program," Torie said. "We have to play at our own level and set our own tone for the season instead of letting other teams define how we play."
DePauw hosts its NCAC opener against Wittenberg University at Blackstock West field on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.