Junior midfielder Kelsey Cobbs takes control of the ball on Saturday in the women’s conference
opener against Oberlin. REBECA BAGDOCIMO / THE DEPAUW
The Tigers began NCAC play with a big 5-1 win over visiting Oberlin College this past Saturday at Reavis Stadium, improving their overall record to 4-3-1.
DePauw’s five goals marked the program’s most in a single match since 2007.
The win on Saturday ended an Oberlin five game win streak. During the streak the Yeowomen scored a total of 26 goals while only allowing four.
The Tigers came into the game off a hard fought 2-2 draw against visiting Loras College the previous weekend.
The match began with a fast start from both teams, with each getting on the board within the first 10 minutes. Senior forward Stephanie Miller was the first of four Tigers to get on the score sheet with a goal in the eighth minute of play, her fifth of the season.
Unfortunately, it only took 90 seconds for the scoreboard to read 1-1 as the Yeowomen evened the match with a goal from sophomore Caitlin McCuskey.
It would take nearly 20 minutes before Reavis Stadium saw another goal. In the 32nd minute Bridget Brendza fired home her first goal of the game and within a minute added another, securing the brace. Saturday’s match was a standout performance for the sophomore forward, who tallied four points from her two goals and two assists.
But the Tigers were not done for the half. First-year midfielder Abbie Enright finished off a great assist from junior Kelsey Cobbs in the 41st minute, tallying Enright’s first collegiate goal.
“It was amazing to get my first goal," Enright said. "But more importantly I am really proud of our team effort and how we got a great win in our first conference game."
The scoring didn’t end there for the Tigers. Kelsey Cobbs added the fifth goal in the 50th minute of the second half to even further assert the team’s dominance over Oberlin.
The Tigers definitely proved that practice makes perfect with their performance on Saturday.
Head coach Megan McCormick commented on the match and the outpour of goals from her team.
“I don't think it's a terribly significant marker, just tangible evidence that we are moving in the right direction," McCormick. "We've known this since last fall, but it hasn't always been evident on the stat sheet. It's great to see all the hard work, both individually and collectively, begin to pay off. We've still got plenty of work to do, but scoring five goals was a good way to start NCAC play.”
Brendza agreed.
"I'm extremely proud of the team for the way we came out for the first game of conference," said Brendza. "We've talked about how important these conference games are early on and a 5-1 win will definitely propel us into conference play."
The Tigers hope to keep the momentum going in their next match against nationally ranked 17 Thomas Moore away on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., as a big win could really help the program gain some national notoriety.