Football The Wittenberg Tigers football team opened the 2015 season with a 38-27 win over the Crusaders of Capital. The explosive Wittenberg offense this year is led by senior quarterback Zack Jenkins who completed 26 of his 34 attempts for 342 yards and three touchdowns. On the receiving end of the Jenkins touchdown passes was junior Luke Landis for two scores, hauling in six receptions for 71 yards. Jenkins third touchdown pass was tossed to fellow senior Zach Culvahouse, who reeled in 12 receptions for 197 yards. The Tiger backfield is full to the brim with senior leadership, with Jimmy Dehnke providing two touchdowns while splitting carries with fellow senior running back Sean Gary. The Tigers go into week two looking to get better before hosting Ohio Wesleyan Sept. 19.
Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team traveled to Ohio Northern last Wednesday to take on the Polar Bears. Dropping the final decision 2-1 the Tigers were able to maintain a 1-0 lead going into the half, scoring on their only shot during the half. Nick Gutlove provided the Tigers first and only goal in the 39’ minute of the first half coming from the Alberto Zaragoza corner kick. The home team tied the game only three minutes into the second half, before finally taking the lead in the 73’ minute. The Tigers hit the road for the rest of September before finally returning home to host Bluffton Sept. 22.
Women’s Soccer The Wittenberg women’s soccer team hosted Wilmington and Case Western this week. The Tigers continued their offensive hot streak Wednesday in their game against Wilmington, defeating the Quakers 4-1. Four different Tigers contributed goals while three others adding the assists. The Tigers kick started their offense with a goal by freshman Megan Davis less than two minutes into the game. Junior Michelle Brunswick found the back of the net after sophomore Julia Smith served a free kick into the Wilmington Box. Sophomore Lauren Hofer started the scoring just seconds into the second half, before she would later feed Kate Burns in the 62’ minute for the Tigers fourth and final goal. The Tigers showed their ability to withstand adversity as the Spartans of Case Western were able to take a 1-0 lead into the half. Sophomore Nicole Karavakis was able to find the back of the net for the Tigers in the 56’ minute. The Tigers face a few tough road games before returning home to host Ohio Northern on Sept. 23.
Volleyball After suffering the heartbreaking five game loss, while hosting the National Invitation to Juniata the Wittenberg women’s volleyball team is back to their winning ways going 4-0 at the Washington & Lee Invitational in Lexington, Virginia. The Tigers defeated Lynchberg and host Washington & Lee in straight games 3-0. Wittenberg didn’t drop their first game until the second day of play, still only dropping a game to each opponent, defeating Berry 3-1 and Averett 3-1. The Tigers are set to host Hope College in the first CODE RED match of the season on Sept. 18.