Wittenberg Upends Birmingham Southern To Conclude Spring Break Trip

The Wittenberg Tigers wrapped up a week of training during a Spring Break trip to warmer climes with a 14-8 victory over Birmingham Southern. The win kept the Tigers unbeaten on the 2011 season at 5-0, extending the program's best start since its reinstatement on the varsity level in 1983.

March 12, 2011
Box Score

Chris Gipson

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Wittenberg Tigers wrapped up a week of training during a Spring Break trip to warmer climes with a 14-8 victory over Birmingham Southern. The win kept the Tigers unbeaten on the 2011 season at 5-0, extending the program's best start since its reinstatement on the varsity level in 1983.

The Tigers trailed 2-1 midway through the first period before scoring three straight to head into the second frame ahead, 4-2. Birmingham Southern responded by outscoring Wittenberg 3-1 in the second quarter, with a goal by senior Chris Gipson (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) evening things up just before halftime.

A three-goal run to start the second half keyed the victory as the Tigers built a 10-7 lead by the end of the third period. Then Wittenberg outscored Birmingham Southern 4-1 to close the game and claim the final margin of victory.

Gipson led both teams with four goals — on just five shots — to go along with four ground balls. Seniors Dan Gaines (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) and Danny Johnson (Cincinnati, Ohio/Indian Hill) led the Tigers in ground balls with five apiece.

Four Tigers ended the game with two goals each, including senior Matt Lord (Pickerington, Ohio/North) with five total points, and senior Brady Christensen (Medina, Ohio/Medina) with four total points.

Defensively, senior Mark DeOliveira (East Hanover, NJ/East Hanover) finished with 10 saves to pick up the win.