Field Hockey Advances to NCAC Tourney with 2-1 OT Victory

GAMBIER, OH – In a win-or-be-done situation, Wittenberg's field hockey team rose to the occasion to secure a spot in the 2025 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Tournament with a clutch 2-1 overtime win over host Kenyon on Saturday, Nov. 1, from the Field at Benson Bowl.

Both teams came into the contest sporting a 5-3 record in the NCAC behind Denison, Ohio Wesleyan, and DePauw – all sitting atop the league at 8-1. After a heartbreaking overtime loss to visiting Ohio Wesleyan a week ago, it was the Tigers' turn to play the spoilers, posting the 2-1 victory just six minutes into the overtime period.

With the win, the Tigers finish the regular season at 6-10 overall and 6-3 in the NCAC. Wittenberg advances to the NCAC Tournament to face top-seeded Ohio Wesleyan in the semifinals at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Delaware, Ohio.

For a team that started the season at 0-8, the Tigers found a way to come together when it mattered most and advance to postseason play. 

"We are so proud of this team for their grit and resilience to make it to the post-season," said Wittenberg Field Hockey Head Coach Brighid Kortyna. "They leaned on each other and played for the teammate next to them. We are looking forward to the postseason and seeing what else this team can bring to the field."

Maddy Krasnow (Bexley, OH / Bexley) was the hero of the day for Witt, scoring both Tiger goals. Her first goal came in the second period on a low-angle shot through the legs of the Kenyon goalkeeper, but the Owls answered in the third period to make things 1-all. 

Neither team could find the back of the cage in the fourth, forcing the extra minutes. The Owls had numerous chances to score in the overtime period, but they were thwarted by Tiger goalkeeper Taryn Toburen (Lititz, PA / Warwick), who played the full 66 minutes and registered six saves on seven shots faced.

Wittenberg and Krasnow capitalized on their only shot in overtime to tally the win. Krasnow took four shots, all on goal, to lead the Tigers. Lexi Cutler (Farmington Hills, MI / North Farmington) took two shots, both on goal.

Despite the loss, Kenyon, which ends the season at 5-12 overall and 5-5 in the NCAC, led in the stats department with 16 shots to just seven for Wittenberg. The Owls also had seven corners to three for the Tigers.

                                                                                             Written By: Cindy Holbrook