Wittenberg Women's Soccer Claims Sixth NCAC Tournament Crown In Program History

Wooster, OH -- With the third and final goal coming from a free kick by freshman Brooke Mullis, the Wittenberg Tigers sealed the deal, claiming the 2021 North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament title with a 3-2 win over the Fighting Scots of the College of Wooster.

To start the game, Wooster hit the net within the first two minutes of the match. This was a game of two halves, Wittenberg putting their power into the defense before making it through the Fighting Scot backline to score in the 36th minute. Mullis found senior Sydney Artis who launched a clean strike into the back of the Wooster goal. This forced Wooster to check their defense, as only nine total shots were taken for the Red and White, but a third of them impacted the score of the match. 

The second half was filled with emotions, both teams playing chippy from the get-go. Wooster scored within the first four minutes, but the Tigers were not to be outdone. Mullis once again came in with the assist passing it off to freshman Hannah Heald evening the score at 2-2. Wittenberg played with relentless confidence, giving keeper Emma Schewe a break which would come in handy at the end of the game, making a point blank save with 90 seconds left to hold Wooster to just two goals. Artis and freshman Lindsey Magoteaux stepped out of the framework, working on all ends of the field. Magoteaux and Artis pulled in two shots on goal, Artis giving enough power to land it in the back of the net. In the 78th minute, Mullis wanted to do more, taking a free kick and sending it soaring over the Fight Scot goalkeeper's head to lock in the awaited lead for Wittenberg. The Fighting Scots put on the pressure in the remainder of the game but were unable to get passed the forceful midfield and defense dressed in red. Pressed by junior Brooke Peters and freshman Abby Sphar Wooster was only able to frame up eight of their 28 shots with Schewe getting her hands on six of them.

In their eighth NCAC Tournament final appearance, the Tigers claimed the sixth tournament crown in program history. This is the second NCAC tournament championship for head coach Katie Robinson, both titles coming on the road. Robinson led her team to a 10-8-1 current record. With this win, the Tigers are automatically heading to the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer tournament.

"Hats off to Wooster for a fantastic season and exciting Finals game. We knew heading into the game that we would have to find a way to deal with their speed and athleticism up top. I think the team did a great job at adjusting to the game plan and executing our set pieces which was the difference in the score line," said head coach Katie Robinson, "I'm so incredibly proud of this group and thankful for their buy in today and this season. We are all really looking forward to a what's next!"

All-Tournament Team
Abby King, Denison
Katie Livingston, Denison
Olivia Dion, Kenyon
Kit Ross, Kenyon
Amanda Flory, Wooster
Alexa Bencic, Wooster
Kelsey Stone, Wooster
Brooke Peters, Wittenberg
Hannah Heald, Wittenberg
Paige Kaiser, Wittenberg
Sophia Grossman, Wittenberg
Brook Mullis, Wittenberg (MVP)