It wasnít looking good for the Wooster field hockey team late Wednesday afternoon as they trailed Denison University by two, mid-way through the second half. Throughout the first half the Scots had been unable to slow the Big Red offense, lead by first-year Catie Merrick. Fortunately, the Scots would soon score three unanswered goals on the way to a 5-4 win over the Big Red. This comeback win could not have come at a better time as the Wooster women look to beat Kenyon College next week in their final regular season game at home.
In the beginning all was well for the Scots, as Stephanie Standera í11 scored on an early penalty corner and Amanda Artman í10 put in a backhanded shot to make the score 2-2. Denison managed to outshoot the Scots 13-6 in the first half, with Merrick managing to score three goals before the break, giving Denison the lead at half. Merrick proved to be Denisonís most dangerous offensive weapon, scoring all four of the teamís goals.
The Scotsí rally began when Artman scored a beautiful goal with an assist from Eileen Barrer í11 midway through the second half. That goal lifted the Scotís spirits as it pulled them within one, making the score 4-3 in favor of Denison. It wasnít long before Clare Nelson-Johnson í13 tied up the score with only the second goal of her collegiate carrier. To top off the miraculous comeback Laura German í13 blasted a shot past the Denison keeper to give Wooster the win late in the second half.
Because of her stellar offensive play for the Scots, Artman was once again named North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Player of the Week. Artman has played a significant role in each of the Scots last two wins. These wins, coming at a crucial point in the season, helped the Scots draw even with Wittenberg University at the top of the NCAC standings. This week marks the second time Artman has won this award this season and it is no surprise given how impressive her play has been. Currently she leads the NCAC in points, 58, and goals, 26. She also broke the NCACís record for career points earlier this season and is currently just two goals shy of passing The Collegeís career scoring record.
Madalyn Myers í12 gave the Scots an excellent performance as well, with seven saves in the win. This victory will take the Scots into their final game of the season as they face conference† opponent Kenyon College on Saturday at noon at John P. Papp Stadium.