Wittenberg's fall sports season is traditionally its strongest of the year. Last year, the Tigers won North Coast Athletic Conference titles in football, volleyball and field hockey. Here is a preview of what is to come in Wittenberg sports this fall.

Volleyball

There is no hiding the fact that Wittenberg's 1998 volleyball team could be one of the best in NCAA Division III. The challenge will be proving it on the court against one of the toughest schedules in one of the most competitive regions in the nation. Once again, Wittenberg is likely to be the favorite among the NCAC with the help of three returning starters. One returner, senior outside hitter Dawn Reinhardt was an All-America selection in 1996 and was fourth in the nation in kills. Also with the help of juniors Karla Durren and Laura Mayer, Wittenberg will likely continue to dominate the NCAC and attempt to equal last year's ranking of fourth in the nation. Wittenberg faces a tough schedule with competitions in tournaments at Washington (Mo.) and Trinity (Tex.) as well as their own tournament which attracts national powerhouses.

Men's Soccer

With the loss of only four to graduation, Wittenberg is looking to improve on last season?s 10-8-1 record and should contend for the NCAC title after placing second in the conference. The Tigers will look to an excellent sophomore class to help fill the key leadership roles needed. Several All-NCAC picks return including senior leading scorer Mats Lagerdahl, junior co-captain Chris MacLaren, and sophomore Chris Cea. All three are expected to contribute heavily on the field. The Tigers also will need to fill the spot of graduated MVP Todd Logan and are looking towards Jake Gibson for that role.

Women's Soccer

With a level NCAC playing field, the Tigers should make a strong play for the conference title in 1998. The combination of senior and junior class experience together with the strength of the sophomores should help Wittenberg as they face a tough schedule which include matches against three teams that finished in the top 25 nationally in 1997. Returning players include NCAC Newcomer of the Year Shana Ryan who was fifth in the conference in scoring in 1997, in addition to All-NCAC picks senior Kara Denny and junior Kim Hepner.

Field Hockey

The Tigers are hoping to continue their winning tradition after enjoying a record-breaking 1997 season in which they won the conference title and earned a bid to the NCAA Division III tournament. Key players returning are regional All-America and All-NCAC selections Jo-El Miller, Sara Hamilton and Kathy Koe. The defending conference champs look to increase their national position by making the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in five years and winning the conference for the third straight year.

Cross Country

The Tigers are looking to improve on a disappointing 1997 season after finishing ninth in the conference for men and eighth for women. The men won the NCAC title in 1996. Leading the men will be senior Nate Kaufman, a Great Lakes Regional Qualifier last season and junior Kyle Gillett. The women are led by senior Vanessa Crossgrove and sophomore Monica Miller, both are likely to have a strong season.