DePauw’s women’s soccer team picked up a huge win on Oct. 22, securing three points that vaulted them to the top of the NCAC standings with just two regular season games to play. The victory puts the Tigers in position to potentially secure the league’s regular season title if they finish strong in their remaining two games.
DePauw started the game with high energy, pressing against the Wittenberg backline and winning the territorial battle in the opening phases of play. That intensity led to a corner a few minutes in which nearly gave the Tigers a dream start. Sydney Calisto ‘25 did well to flick on the service at the near post and then as the ball flew across the six-yard box, Macy Happe ‘26 was able to get on the end of it, unlucky to see her effort hit the crossbar and deflect behind for a goal kick.
Happe has been in great goal-scoring form for the Tigers of late. She notched four goals in her last six games, ever so close to another in the Wittenberg match. After the early close call, the game settled into an end-to-end pattern for the rest of the match. On both the women’s and men’s side, the NCAC is extremely reliable for producing tight, closely-fought contests, and this would prove to be no exception.
The next big chance of the game again fell the way of DePauw, as Jayla Logan ‘26 weaved between defenders to set up Calisto to fire toward the bottom corner. The shot forced Wittenberg goalkeeper Lily Winkle ‘27 into a fantastic low save, the best of her four total on the night. Wittenberg fashioned a couple of half chances in reply, but nothing to particularly worry DePauw keeper Aubree Empie ‘27 in net.
So often in close games, it’s a moment of brilliance that makes the breakthrough. At the 24-minute mark, that is exactly what DePauw got. Sophia Patrey ‘27 did excellently well to pressure Wittenberg’s right back into a turnover. When she regained possession well outside the box on the left wing, she unleashed a ferocious right-footed shot into the top corner. It was a simply unstoppable strike, and will surely be a contender for DePauw’s goal of the season when all is said and done.
The 1-0 lead lasted the Tigers through to half-time. But Wittenberg started the second period strong — around 10 minutes in, they found an excellent leveler. Grace Koperna won the ball back for Wittenberg high in the attacking third on the left-hand side. She quickly delivered an infield pass for Chamberlain Browning, who did really well to turn sharply and fire into the bottom corner. At 1-1, the game was very much for the taking.
Wittenberg continued well after the goal, and forced the Tigers’ keeper Empie into a few key saves in quick succession. It was the Wittenberg Tigers who probably had the run of play in the second half, out-shooting DePauw 8-3, but the defining moment of the game went the way of the home team. With just 12 minutes remaining, DePauw’s high pressure, applied this time by Caroline Tally ‘28, won the ball back for DePauw in a dangerous area.
Tally wasted no time once she regained possession, shifting the ball to her right foot and unleashing another unstoppable strike from some 25 yards out. The ball flew past Wittenberg’s keeper and nestled into the back of the net to give DePauw what would be a telling 2-1 advantage.
Wittenberg responded with a flurry of substitutions to try and create a late tirade, but it has to be said that for the most part, DePauw’s defensive line handled the last 10 minutes or so extremely well. The only real “heart in mouth” moment came in the dying seconds as Empie was forced to make an excellent save, diving left and tipping over the bar to prevent a Wittenberg equalizer from a well-run corner kick.
The win marks DePauw’s legitimacy as contenders in the NCAC this year as they remain undefeated in conference play through six games. A special note must be given to the character and grit the team showed even after losing senior captain and starting striker Calisto to a nasty injury. Calisto has been a standout player for the Tigers during all of her four years at DePauw and will certainly be missed. Everyone is certainly wishing her a swift recovery.
Based on where the team sits in the current standings, DePauw’s aspiration will surely be that there’s plenty more soccer to play after those remaining regular season games. The Tigers will be back in action this Saturday for a home match against Wooster.