For Immediate Release Sept. 2, 2006

Contact: Ryan Maurer E-Mail: rmaurer@wittenberg.edu

Meghan O'Rourke

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - The Wittenberg Tigers made the long trip to central New York a happy one - despite the omnipresent rains provided by former Tropical Storm Ernesto - with a season-opening 1-0 win over William Smith in the first round of the Nazareth Tournament.

The Tigers will go for the tournament title on Sunday when they square off with tourney host Nazareth, a 3-0 victor over Allegheny Saturday.

Wittenberg was in control from start to finish in the season-opener, outshooting William Smith 12-3. The Tigers finally broke the scoreless tie 71 minutes into the game as junior Lisa Rusch (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne) picked up right where she left off a year ago with an unassisted goal. The team's leading scorer each of the last two season, Rusch and sophomore Suzanne Medwid (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) each posted three shots to lead both teams.

Defense has become the Tigers hallmark in recent years, and it was evident again on Saturday. Junior goalkeeper Meghan O'Rourke (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne) was forced into just one save on three William Smith shots in the game.

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2006 Women's Soccer Schedule/Results