The second quarter was dominated by the Tiger defense, holding Oberlin scoreless. Pressure defense and the solid play of goalie Mike Oliver were key factors. The offense did not let up, scoring six unanswered goals. Clapp had two unassisted goals. Habermeyer had a goal assisted by Mario Cassani. Cassani added two goals of his own assisted by Clapp. Freshman Philip Deak also had his first career goal, making the score at the half 11 to 1 Tigers.
The third quarter continued to see the dominate play of Wittenberg. The offense scored seven goals to Oberlin's two. Habermeyer had two goals assisted by Cassani and Clapp. Collins had four goals, one unassisted. Collins' assisted goals were by Cassani, Habemeyer and defenseman Dan Hillerich. Cassani added another goal assisted by Hillerich. The Wittenberg transition game was at its strongest all season. Freshman goalie Maurice Crowther saw a good amount of playing time in the third and fourth quarter. The Wittenberg coaches began to give all of the younger players an opportunity to play in the second half.
The Tigers finished the fourth quarter by scoring goals from Collins and Rob Ehrich who also scored his first career goal. For the remainder of the game the defense continued to dominate and frustrate Oberlin. The Tiger offense finished the game by controlling the ball and taking time off the clock. The final score was Wittenberg 20, Oberlin 3. This win evens Wittenberg's record at 2-2, and 1-0 in the NCAC. This was an important win to prepare the Tigers to take the next step for their next NCAC game against Wooster on March 25.
Witt Scoring Totals: Mark Burrell 1 Goal Mario Cassani 3 Goals 3 Assists Eric Clapp 3 Goals 3 Assists Jeff Collins 6 Goals 1 Assist Philip Deak 1 Goal Rob Ehrich 1 Goal Matt Gregory 1 Goal Billy Habermeyer 4 Goals 3 AssistsChristopher Gruber led the Tigers in ground balls with seven. Clapp, Collins, and Hillerich followed with five ground balls each. All three goalies played with veteran Mike Oliver leading the way with 14 saves. Crowther had a strong outing with seven saves while freshman goalie Charlie Hamiltion seeing his first playing time followed with one save. Freshman midfielder Jonathan Sonntag continued to lead the Tigers in face-offs, winning seven and losing just four. This brings his season totals to date for face-offs winning 15 and losing just five.
Coach Bruce Reid thanks the Cassanis for providing post-game refreshments and snacks. Dick and Penny Burrell also hosted a post-game cookout for players, parents and friends of Wittenberg lacrosse.