Women's soccer looks down from the top
Denison 3, Kenyon 0 - Denison 0, Ohio Dominican 1
Pat Murphy
Issue date: 10/9/07 Section: Sports
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On Wednesday (Oct. 3), the team went out looking for its ninth win of the season and second in a row, against Kenyon College.
The Big Red was quick to get on scoresheet as junior Sarah Ash broke through the defense and was able to play the ball across the box to senior Jessie Birdwhistell who was making a delayed run into the middle of the box.
The Big Red kept up the pressure, and it paid off just eleven minutes later when freshman Meg Polite headed home a good ball from a corner kick.
Denison went into halftime with their 2-0 lead, knowing they were playing well and could increase the score.
Starting off the second half, the Big Red worked the ball around well, continuing to play well as a team. They were rewarded once again after a good series of passes, as sophomore Anna Rusch took a long shot from a few yards outside the box, which beat Kenyon's keeper to give Denison the 3-0 lead.
The good passing and long strings of possession continued throughout the game, but the team seemed content to work the ball around and sit on their lead.
"[The game] was so exciting because we were connecting all over the field and getting some great shots on goal," said senior captain Kim Cochran.
This was the team's fourth win by three or more goals as they continue to demonstrate that team mentality to get these wins. Coach Gail Murphy is not surprised at how well the team has been playing.
"Our team understands that meeting that expectation involves more than just putting on a uniform; it requires hard work," Murphy said.
On Saturday (Oct. 6) the Big Red was on the road to face Ohio Dominican in a game that was bound to be close due to both team's number 12 rankings (Denison in NCAA Division III and Dominican in NAIA).
The score remained 0-0 at halftime even though the Big Red had been working the ball well, playing well as a team again, and appeared to have the advantage in the game.
Finally the ball found the back of the net in the 62nd minute, but unfortunately for the Big Red it was in their own net. Even worse, it came off one of their own players as a Dominican player took a shot that deflected off junior Molly Ruano and slipped past senior Liz Gillette for the goal.
Sarah Ash thought she had pulled the match level just a few minutes from the end, but the referee called the goal back.
The game ended at 1-0, as the Big Red was handed just their third defeat of the season. "It was an unfortunate loss, and it's always hard to lose a game we could have won. But we all played hard, things just didn't fall our way last night." Said senior captain Kia Anderson.
Up to this point in the season, the girls have met expectations with a 9-3 record and contributions from everyone on the team.
"If you look at our last [three] games, six different players scored and they were from all thirds of the field (defenders, midfielders, forwards). Those six also included all classes from first year's to seniors," Murphy said.
The team plays quickly and as a unit, which makes it difficult for other teams to stop them.
"The rest of our games now are all conference games, which are the most important, so we need to regroup and get ready for Wittenberg on Wednesday." Anderson said.
The Big Red travel to Springfield on Wednesday, Oct. 10 for their match up with the Tigers at 5:00 p.m.
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