Gambier, Ohio – The Oberlin College field hockey team battled back from a two-goal deficit on Saturday afternoon, scoring twice in the third quarter to level the contest before ultimately falling 3-2 to Kenyon in NCAC action. The two goals marked Oberlin's first goals against Kenyon since 2013.
"I'm really proud of the way this team battled today." Head Coach Jess West said. "We didn't have the start we wanted and found ourselves down 2-0 at the half, but our response following the half really says a lot about this group. We made some key adjustments, the team trusted those adjustments, and we came out with more pressure, confidence and purpose."
Kenyon opened the scoring in the first quarter before adding another goal late in the second to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Oberlin responded with a strong third quarter, scoring twice in just over a minute to erase the deficit. Shelby Roth got the Yeowomen on the board at 31:28, finding the back of the cage off a feed from Samantha Finkelberg. Just 79 seconds later, Clare Kammeier scored her first goal of the afternoon to bring Oberlin level at 2-2.
"That pressure created two big goals and gave us the opportunity to bring the game back level. We're disappointed with the final result, but I continue to be encouraged by the way this team trusts one another, works for one another, and stays committed to our 'One Team, One Purpose' mentality."
Kammeier finished with a team-high two shots, both on goal, while Roth recorded Oberlin's other shot on target.
The score remained tied into the fourth quarter before the Owls scored the eventual game-winner with just over five minutes remaining.
Freshman Mia Rubin kept Oberlin within striking distance throughout the contest, making a season-high 12 saves in the cage.
Despite the setback, Oberlin's two-goal effort marked a significant offensive breakthrough, as the Crimson and Gold scored against Kenyon for the first time since 2013.
Oberlin continue NCAC action on Tuesday, September 29th at 7 p.m. against Wooster.
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