Tigers stand alone atop conference after overtime win

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Before Saturday's match, Denison University and DePauw were undefeated in the NCAC. But only one team would walk away with that title.

The game proceeded into overtime with the teams netted at 2-2. In the end, the Tigers came out on top.

DePauw improved to 9-1 overall and 8-0 in the NCAC this weekend with its eighth and ninth straight wins against Denison and Ohio Wesleyan University, respectively.

"It feels terrible, I want to quit," joked sophomore midfielder Micheline Figel. "It's seriously an awesome feeling."

Figel said the team was nervous after losing its first game of the season but has since bounced back.

"Every other team is out to get us now," said junior forward Margaret Ellis. "We need to have an even better second half of the season"

DePauw hosted Denison on Saturday, taking a 2-0 lead as junior forward Bridgette Shamleffer scored twice, the first on Ellis' assist. Denison responded in the second half as Hilary Zdanowski scored on Molly Chapman's assist three minutes into the half. Denison forward Katie McMahon later forced the overtime with a goal in the final minute of regulation play. Later, Ellis scored the game winner minutes into overtime, leaving the Tigers the only unbeaten team in the NCAC.

"I honestly think we just wanted it more," Ellis said. "In field hockey that becomes important."

On Sunday, the team travelled to Delaware, Ohio to face NCAC opponent Ohio Wesleyan. DePauw freshman forward Maggie Campbell scored DePauw's only two goals in each half.

"The freshmen are an awesome addition to the team," Figel said. "They've all adjusted very nicely, and a lot of them have contributed to our overall success."

Ellis said this year's team incorporates players of all ages.

"Sunday proved how important they (freshmen) are on this team" Ellis said.

DePauw held a 17-4 advantage in shots and a 9-6 margin in corners. Freshman goalkeeper Maggie Steele totalled one save in the shutout.

The Tigers are back on the field Saturday, Oct. 8, when they face Rhodes College at Louisville's Sacred Heart Academy.

"It's the little things that make one team better than the other team," Ellis said.

The team will spend this week perfecting and cleaning up its play.

Figel said with all the phenomenal players on the team, the players won't lose focus.

"No one on the team is lacking," Figel said. "Everyone has the same goal."