Tigers Run Win Streak To Eight With Shutout At Denison

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Hannah Scheckelhoff

GRANVILLE, Ohio — Eight days off did nothing to cool the red-hot Wittenberg Tigers as they claimed a hard-fought 1-0 road win over North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) rival Denison.

Wittenberg's eighth straight win moved the Tigers to 10-2 overall and kept them atop the NCAC at 7-1. Denison, which has lost nine of the last 10 games against Wittenberg, dating back to 2005, fell to 5-9 overall and 4-5 in the conference. Wittenberg swept the 2010 season series after also claiming a 4-1 win in Springfield on Sept. 22.

The Tigers have been one of the highest scoring teams in the country, but this game was won with a superior defensive effort. Head Coach Kelley Hubbell said her team has been focusing in practice on defensive transition and getting into proper supporting positions. Among several players who performed well, senior Hannah Scheckelhoff (New Albany, Ohio/Columbus School for Girls) turned in a fine game, according to Hubbell.

The two teams were in a scoreless tie through the latter stages of the second half before Wittenberg got on the board. Senior Boo Vernon (Lake Bluff, Ill./Cushing Academy) scored her 69th career goal off an assist from senior Meredith Price (Highland Park, Ill./North Shore Country Day). Vernon, who is just eight goals shy of the Wittenberg record for career goals, re-directed a penalty corner to account for the game's lone score.

The Tiger defense made that tally stand up, although junior Jenny Schaafsma (Grand Rapids, Mich./East Grand Rapids) was forced into six saves and freshman Eva de Hoog (Amsterveen, The Netherlands/Keizer Karel) turned in a key defensive save. Wittenberg was credited with a narrow 10-9 edge in shots and an 8-6 advantage in penalty corners.

The Tigers return to action Sunday at Bellarmine in Louisville, Ky. The teams are scheduled for a 6 p.m. start.