Another weekend, and another pair of NCAC Conference games for field hockey.
Unlike last weekend, the Tigers did not walk all over their opponents. This weekend was a true test of skill and determination for the program, and it came with its highs and lows. The Tigers finished 1-1 for the weekend with a victory over Denison on Saturday and a loss to Kenyon on Sunday.
The Tigers were able to pull out a huge victory against the Big Red largely due to a superb performance from Paige Berliner. The sophomore forward forward led the way for the Tigers early in the game with an unassisted goal 25 minutes into play and also closed out the game with the winning tally in the 61st minute. An early slip up in the second half led the Tigers to allow the game-tying goal.
“We realized that Denison was coming out stronger in the second half than they had in the first, so we had to pick up our intensity,” Berliner stressed.
Berliner’s effort echoed her words, as she paved the way for a 2-1 DePauw victory.
Going into Sunday, both DePauw and Kenyon were undefeated in NCAC conference games. In need of a strong performance, the Tigers were simply outplayed. They only managed eight shots compared to Kenyon’s 23, and none of those shots were on target. Despite the major deficit in offensive execution between DePauw and Kenyon, the Tigers were able to put together a solid defensive performance for the most part. They allowed one goal in the 59th minute of play but they were unable to respond due to their lack of offensive efficiency, thus losing the game by a score of 1-0.
Although it was a difficult way to end the weekend, the Tigers have another chance for revenge against Kenyon on Oct. 24.
The Tigers next matchup has them returning to Ohio this Saturday at 5:00 p.m. to square off against Ohio Wesleyan, a program they have not lost to since 2011.