Isabel Abarca
Contributing Writer
The field hockey team is off to a solid start with a record of 5-5 and big conference wins over Ohio Wesleyan University and Oberlin College. The team built momentum from excellent results in its first three games and has carried it forward into their midseason play.
Early on, the team had success in the offensive third, which provided the team with important wins. Kayla O’Connor ’17 is currently its leading goal scorer with Taylor Thorp ’15 and Nikki Sever ’14 close behind with a combination of 13 goals, over half of the team’s total. Anjela Galimberti ’16 mentioned that important team strengths include their skilled movement and passing. This has helped the Scots produce these goals and will be a factor in during the second half of the season.
Although underclassmen make up the majority of the team, they have proven that youth does not always equal inexperience. There are many first-years who have impacted the team positively; Kayla O’Connor ’17, Kerry O’Connor ’17, Leah Prescott ’17 and Laura Kummer ’17 are all consistent starters this season.
Some may say that this is a learning year for the new team members, but they have performed very strongly so far and have been working hard with the returning players to bring intensity and focus to every game.
The team is relatively small this season, which has caused obstacles, but has also provided advantages. Obvious disadvantages include limited options for subbing, though this allows the majority of the girls to get playing time and improve as a whole. “Each player is critical,” said Galimberti, explaining that it is good for everyone to get touches on the ball in game settings, even if it comes with high demands and expectations.
With almost half of their conference games over, the team looks to sweep its season series against Oberlin and Ohio Wesleyan while also avenging early season losses against Wittenberg University, DePauw University and Denison University. The Scots’ conference record currently stands at 3-3 with eight conference games left to play.
The women plan to secure a spot in the top four by playing as a cohesive unit on the field. “We would really like to uphold Wooster’s reputation as one of the top teams in our conference and win as many conference games as possible,” said Galimberti.
The Scots will continue conference play in their next match against Kenyon College tomorrow in Gambier, Ohio. They have not yet played against Kenyon, but it is anticipated to be a hard match. The team will return home on Oct. 9 to face Ohio Wesleyan for the second time this season.