This past week, Wittenberg’s Field Hockey Team wrapped up their season at Edward-Maurer Field. On Thursday, Oct. 26, the team played against the DePauw Tigers. Then, on Saturday, Oct. 28, the Tigers took on the Ohio-Wesleyan Battling Bishops.
The game on Thursday against DePauw started off with shots from both teams, one after another, with penalty corners taken by DePauw over and over. Finally, 24 minutes into the half, Channa Visseren, ’21, scored off an assist by Isabella Wagner, ’19, which put Wittenberg ahead by one.
The start of the second half was slow and steady, just like the start of the first. The only card of the game,was awarded to DePauw University 18 minutes into the second half. This card was quickly followed by an unassisted goal by Audrey Coler, ’18. There was a follow-up goal one minute later, scored by Visseren and assisted by Riley Trexler, ’18.
With the back-to-back goals, DePauw subbed their goalie. There were two more shots taken by Visseren and Trexler that were blocked by the goalie. As the buzzer sounded, the Tigers took a victory over DePauw for the second time this season.
Later in the week, Wittenberg took on OWU, with the DePauw win fueling their fire to beat the Battling Bishops. Wittenberg finished off the season with a shut-out.
The Tigers hit the field ready to take shots, with two taken by Visseren and Wagner. There was another shot taken by Visseren that hit the back of the goal making the first goal. Slowing down a little but moving the ball up and down the field, then rounding out the first half, Trexler made an unassisted goal, putting the Tigers ahead by two. Three minutes later, Verlee Van der plas, ’21, made the third goal of the game with an assist from Trexler.
Starting off the second half, Coler made a goal three minutes in, which was followed by two shots, one from the Bishops and one from the Tigers, and another goal by Visseren. Visseren’s goal put the Tigers ahead by five, but they weren’t quite done. The game continued with subs, penalty shots and shots. Visseren, who was on fire, took two more shots as the Tigers pushed on. Rounding out the game, with 10 minutes left, Blaine Donnelly, ’19, snuck one into the back of the goal with an assist from Visseren.
“This season has been a special one,” Katie Hubbell, head coach, said. “We have motivated, knowledgeable and talented student-athletes in each class, but six seniors are the core of our team. Their hunger to compete, grow their skill-set and continue to improve our game is inspiring. We are enjoying positive outcomes as a result of their leadership, work ethic, competitive drive and four-year commitment. That experience and heart, plus very skilled and talented underclassmen, makes for great potential to continue a special season in and beyond the conference tournament.”
The season was filled with many amazing plays from the team, with a total of 65 goals. Leading scorer of the season was Coler and leading with assists is a tie from Megan Niswonger, ’21, and Trexler. Goalie Allie Purvis, ’19, had a total of five shutouts this season with a total of 60 saves. The team ended the regular season with a record of 13 wins and 5 losses.
