The Tigers traveled to Gambier, Ohio this past weekend to battle Kenyon College for the NCAC conference title and a berth into the NCAA Division III tournament.
DePauw came into the matchup having defeated Denison University in the tournament semifinal last Wednesday at home.
The stakes were high, and the Tigers were prepared for a hard fought battle. The Tigers split the regular-season series with the Lords 1-1, making it seem capable for either team to take the championship.
While this was a game of limited opportunities for the Tigers, defensive play was crucial for the team, as they were outshot by the Lords 31-17 in regulation.
Despite the major difference in shots taken, the Tigers were able to keep the game tight.
When the game could not be decided in regulation, it was sent into overtime, and when neither team was able to claim the victory in either of the two overtime periods, it was finally sent into a shootout.
With the game at the end of her stick, junior midfielder and defender Sofia Carretero was able to find the back of the net on a left to right fake-out goal.
Carretero’s goal was enough to help the Tigers capture their third conference title in the past four years.
Sophomore goalie Sarah Guendert credited the victory to Carretero’s killer instinct and quick thinking skills.
“Sofia had an exceptional game, scoring the game winner in the shootout and making a big defensive save against what would've been sure goal that could've cost us the game.”
In addition to the great play from the defensive unit, this game could not have been won without the superb play in net. With the Tigers being outshot heavily throughout the game, Guendert kept the kept the Lords at bay with 16 saves. It marked her highest total since the first game of the regular season, when she recorded 17 against University of Mary Washington.
“Sarah had a great game," said sophomore forward Paige Berliner. "She had some great saves during regulation and overtime, and did very well during the one versus one shootouts at the end.”
Saturday’s victory was without question a team effort, and required the players to give it their all for the duration of the game.
The Tigers will carry this victory with them as they prepare for the first round of the NCAA Division III tournament away against Rhodes College this Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.