Fighting Scots’ Defense Keys 7-5 Win Over Oberlin

WOOSTER, Ohio – The College of Wooster's defense paved the way for a victory on Wednesday, limiting Oberlin College to five goals in a 7-5 decision during the North Coast Athletic Conference foes afternoon match-up at John P. Papp Stadium.

Oberlin (2-8, 0-4 NCAC) chipped a five-goal halftime deficit of 6-1 down to two when it scored with 2:09 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Yeomen also won the ensuing face-off, but then a turnover was picked up by John Michael Bogusz and Wooster (6-6, 1-2 NCAC) was able to burn about a minute off of the clock to seal the outcome.

It didn't look like there would be a close finish during the first half. The Fighting Scots scored four times in the first quarter alone, two apiece from Matt Ranck and Patrick Schlick. Schlick's second came during an extra-man opportunity, resulting in a 3-0 lead, and it was 4-1 through 15 minutes.

There were only two goals in the second quarter, but they came just 53 seconds apart. The first was of the highlight variety as PJ Dallman took a pass from Jake Bernard at the top of the box, and with his back turned to the net, Dallman flicked it in on a no-look shot over his shoulder while falling down.

Wooster was leading by five at the half, despite being outshot slightly (15-13), and in the third quarter, the Scots outshot their visitors 13-8, however, it was Oberlin that had the 3-1 scoreboard edge to pull within 7-4.

In the fourth, Wooster did just enough to hang on, including limiting the Yeomen without a shot during two extra-man opportunities. Overall, Oberlin was 0-for-9 in those situations.

Ranck finished with a hat trick, his eighth of the season, and Dallman matched Schlick with two goals. Evan Albertson and Pat Henderson each passed out two assists, while defensively, Sean Hohan and Nick Spittle were credited with three caused turnovers apiece.

The Scots return to action next Wednesday afternoon at Otterbein University (4-4).