Second Half Comeback Ends in Tigers Loss

Clearwater, FL- Wittenberg was back for their second match-up of spring break in Clearwater, Florida against the Cardinals of Otterbein. In the Tigers first match-up of the week they looked to Kody Gould, Noah Mackin, Holton Boehmer, and Julio Novarini on offense for a combined nine goals. In game two of spring break, Wittenberg continued to look to senior Noah Mackin for leadership on offense, while welcoming help from freshmen Connor Matthews and Ben Holland. Despite a second half comeback and a one goal differential, Wittenberg fell against Otterbein with a score of 14-10.

The Red & White got off to a slow start with only two goals in the first half of play with Connor Matthews getting through Cardinal defense and Noah Mackin connecting from Zach Busby. Wittenberg headed into the third quarter down with a score of 9-2. Switching things up in the third quarter, the Tigers were able to outscore the Cardinals 6-2 to take Wittenberg into the fourth quarter with a score of 11-8. Scoring three unanswered for the Red & White in the third quarter were Ben Holland assisted by Mackin, Holton Boehmer assisted by Holland and Noah Mackin unassisted. Wittenberg's first two goals of the third quarter came from man-up opportunities. Wittenberg was able to get on the board three more times in the third quarter with goals from Mitchell Steinker from Mackin, Ben Rodell unassisted, and Connor Matthews unassisted. The Tigers were able to get on the board first in the fourth quarter with a goal from Ben Holland while down a man to put Wittenberg within one. The Red & White's final goal came from Kody Gould off of an assist from Noah Mackin to give Wittenberg a final score of 14-10.

Wittenberg Leaders- The Tigers had seven different individuals score, being led by Noah Mackin, Connor Matthews, and Ben Holland with two goals each. Mario Lorelli led in caused turnovers with four followed by Braeden Meier with three. Meier lead in ground balls, picking up eight on the day. Leading in goal for Wittenberg was Brandon Shevins with 14 saves after facing 26 shots on goal.

NCAC Leaders- Wittenberg has six guys in the top ten for statistics in the NCAC. Ben Holland is tied at number two in the conference for goals with 14 followed by Noah Mackin at number five with 11. Landing the final spot at number ten for goal is Kody Gould with nine. The trio also land in the top ten for assists along with Nicholas Langenderfer. Holland leads the way at number three, Mackin sits at number six and Gould is tied with Langenderfer at nine. The offensive trio continues to lead the NCAC in points with Holland at number two, Mackin at number five and Gould at number nine. In face-off success, Luke Stanfield lands at number five going 43-88. On the defensive end, Mario Lorelli lands at number three in the NCAC for caused turnovers with 14 on the season while Max Benincasa is at number eight with six.

Up Next- Wittenberg will return to action on March 19^th against Capital on their road where they will look for their first win of 2022.