Oberlin, Ohio – The Transylvania field hockey team battled toe-to-toe with the Oberlin College Yeowomen for a full 60 minutes on Sunday afternoon, but a lone goal by the Yeowomen in the second quarter doused the Pioneers' hopes for victory in a 1-0 result at Dick Bailey Field.
Both teams entered their regular season finale earnestly seeking their first victory of the season and the teams played evenly in the opening quarter as both sides took turns occupying the attacking half of the pitch.
Play opened up in the second quarter as the Pioneers turned away three early shots by the Yeowomen in the period and looked to take offensive control. The Pioneers lobbed the ball upfield on counterattacks with increasing regularity but Oberlin held firm.
Oberlin gained the upper hand with five minutes left in the first half as the Yeowomen made a run and slipped a shot past the teeth of the Pioneer defense into the left bottom corner of the goal for a 1-0 lead entering halftime.
Transylvania's aggression picked up steam in the third quarter as the Pioneers increased possession and challenged the Yeowomen. Mirabel Noltemeyer and Catherine Harney collaborated for a quick charge past the 25-yard line and earned a penalty corner out of the opportunity with 6:15 left in the third. The Pioneers forced a close-range scrum in front of the goal, but Oberlin's defense converged on the ball to thwart Transylvania's best opportunity.
Another key opportunity arose for the Pioneers , who later had the Yeowomen on their heels with a midfield turnover. The Pioneers quickly turned upfield and Maddy Morgan connected ahead to Noltemeyer, who found herself ahead of the pack and 1 on 1 with the Oberlin goalie. The Yeowomen goalie was up to the task, pouncing on the loose ball just before Noltemeyer could provide an equalizer. The Pioneers outshot Oberlin 2-1 in the third quarter.
The Pioneers earned one more penalty corner with under 11 minutes to go in regulation as Noltemeyer drew a crowd and was fouled. The Pioneers broke into the penalty area once more trying to find a tying goal, but Oberlin stood strong and held off the Pioneers.
Libby Bringard finished the day with one save while Emily Long led the Pioneers with two shots.
Transylvania will now look ahead to the Southern Athletic Association conference tournament, beginning Saturday, November 6 in Mequon, Wisconsin. Hosted by conference member Concordia Wisconsin, the Pioneers will play on Saturday at a time to be announced.
For more on Transylvania field hockey, follow @TransyFH on Twitter
