Oberlin, Ohio – The Oberlin College women's lacrosse team returned to Bailey, facing Otterbein on Wednesday night. After a second-half push from the Cardinals, the Crimson and Gold fell 9-8, losing their first game of the year and shifting to 6-1 on the season. 

Kylie Thompson led the scoring charge with five goals and one assist. Megan Hiller followed with two goals and two assists, as well as three ground balls. Phoebe Dolan rounded out the scoring plays with a goal in the first period and a trio of ground balls.

Olivia Corradi notched four draw controls and five ground balls while Maddie Weathers and Katie McMorris added two draws apiece. Weathers led Oberlin with three caused turnovers, while Charlie Marshall, Maddie Darlington, Corradi, and Rachel Reiter recorded two each. Emily Berger appeared in goal for all 60 minutes of regulation, tallying eight saves. 

The Crimson and Gold got rolling after Darlington caused an Otterbein turnover and Mary Rodman picked up the ground ball to initiate an Oberlin clear. Thompson connected with Dolan, sending the ball past the Cardinal goalkeeper to secure the opening goal. Later in the period, the Yeowomen produced back-to-back goals. Led by a Hiller goal at 7:52, Weathers gained control of the draw quickly, bringing the ball to Oberlin's offensive end. Sophie Ward connected with the stick of Thompson to lift the Crimson and Gold's edge to three. 

Thompson launched the second quarter with an early goal after receiving a pass from Elle Lavin. Otterbein delivered a pair of goals midway through the session, cutting their deficit to 4-2. Closing out the period with an exhilarating buzzer-beater, Hiller posted the late goal to extend Oberlin's lead to 5-2 to close the half. 

The Thompson-Hiller duo lifted the Crimson and Gold to a 6-2 advantage after gaining possession on an Otterbein turnover halfway into the third frame. The Cardinals added back-to-back goals reducing their gap to 6-4. Though Otterbein gained control of the draw, Reiter caused the Cardinal turnover and gained possession of the ground ball. Lavin sent the ball to Thompson to make it a 7-4 game with 1:35 remaining. Otterbein scored on a free-position opportunity late in the period, bringing the disadvantage back down to two. 

The Cardinals recorded back-to-back goals to open the final period of regulation and tie Oberlin. Thompson and Hiller followed with another goal to regain a slight edge. Otterbein tied the Crimson and Gold once again at 7:09. Gaining possession after an Oberlin card, the Cardinals scored on the man-up opportunity to produce their first lead of the game with just over four minutes in the match. Hiller sent a one last-second shot, hoping to force overtime. Sending the ball just wide of the net, Oberlin's undefeated streak came to a close as they dropped the 9-8 contest. 

The Crimson and Gold will travel back to Michigan when they take on Alma on Saturday, March 21. Afternoon draw is scheduled for 4 p.m. 

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