DePauw's field hockey team bounced back from their 1-3 start in stunning fashion over the weekend with two conference wins over Kenyon College and Denison University to pull back to .500 on the season.
The Tigers defeated Kenyon 1-0 and defeated bitter rivals Denison 2-0.
The Tigers defeated Denison on Sunday with an impressive 2-0 win. DePauw scored early on in the match off a deflection by Junior forward Paige Henry. Henry's high level of play over the weekend earned the honor of NCAC Player of the Week.
After the go-ahead goal early on, however, the Tigers were challenged at the back by several chances for Denison off of a long string of corners. The Tigers remained strong in the back, however, with much defensive cover by senior midfielder Chelsea Cutler. Cutler seemed to be everywhere on the field and always found herself in the right place at the right time on defense as well as on the counter attack.
The Tigers added another goal in the final minute of the first half on a brilliant move started and finished by junior forward Maggie Campbell. The goal came after prolonged DePauw possession in the offensive half during the final minutes of the first half. The Tigers finally capitalized with 56 seconds remaining following many scoring opportunities.
The Tigers came out dominant in the second half and held Denison in check for the remainder of the game. Cutler continued to shine in the second half both on defense and in moving the ball through midfield. DePauw faced little danger on their own net for most of the half until Denison attempted a last ditch effort to pull something out in the final minutes. Campbell praised her teammates on the vital conference win.
"Obviously we are very happy with the win and look to be very competitive in the conference," Campbell said. "It was even better considering Denison is our main rival."
Henry praised the team's defense and commented on how the team has established itself as the team to beat in the NCAC.
"We know that every team in the conference is out to beat us and [we're] giving it 110% because now we have targets on our back," Henry said. "Hopefully we can keep executing."
The Tigers also pulled out a hard fought 1-0 win against Kenyon on Saturday. After taking an early lead just after the five minute mark in the first half.
"Kenyon gave us a tough fight and stuck with us the whole game even though we thought we'd put a few more in after the early goal," Henry said.
Kenyon bounced back well after the early goal, but could not manage to beat junior goalkeeper Maggie Steele. Despite Steele being tested early she, as well as her defense, held Kenyon at bay. The Tigers looked dangerous on the many counter attack moves led by Campbell as well as senior forward Micheline Figel. The Tigers could not muster another goal, however, and held on to win 1-0.
The team is thrilled with these two conference victories giving DePauw an early lead in the NCAC as the only undefeated team against conference opponents. Clearly team chemistry and morale has been uplifted by these positive results.
"We usually have a close team and this year is no exception," Campbell said. "Wins obviously help maintain that positive atmosphere."
After these two shutout wins, the Tigers look to move on and continue the momentum picked up over the weekend in the conference. The Tigers will face the 0-2 Oberlin College Yeowomen and the 1-1 College of Wooster Fighting Scots.