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| Nikki Sever |
WOOSTER, Ohio – While The College of Wooster field hockey team celebrated Senior Day, it was junior Nikki Sever who led the way as she scored three goals and assisted on two others during a 6-0 win over Oberlin College in North Coast Athletic Conference action Saturday at John P. Papp Stadium.
With the victory, Wooster (10-8, 9-5 NCAC) clinched a spot in the NCAC Tournament, however, its seed is still to be determined. The Fighting Scots will be either seeded third or fourth, pending the result of a match-up between Ohio Wesleyan University and Wittenberg University. Their game was suspended due to the weather Friday night and will be completed Monday.
Against Oberlin (4-11, 3-11 NCAC), Wooster dominated possession throughout and got onto the scoreboard 13:37 into the action when Kate Brondyk finished a breakaway with an assist coming from Sever. Later in the first half, Sever connected for goals 4:31 apart, the first off a Shelby Stone pass and then she backhanded one in on an unassisted shot.
Ahead 3-0, the Scots continued to put the pressure on the Yeowomen defense during the second half. Taylor Thorp scored her second goal of the season, rebounding in an initial shot by Clare Nelson-Johnson 12:22 into the second.
About five minutes later, Sever had a breakaway into the circle. The charging goalkeeper made a save, but Sever stayed on her feet, collected the ball, and delivered it to a wide open Nelson-Johnson, who tapped it into the unguarded cage for a 5-0 advantage.
With 6:35 remaining, Sever notched the hat trick. First, Edie Anderson dribbled into the circle down the right end line, crossed it to Abby Szlachta, who deflected it, and then Sever redirected it into the cage.
Sever's eight-point explosion marked a career high and the most this season by a Wooster player.
In addition to Nelson-Johnson, fellow seniors Brittany Braun, Anna Divis, Dana Feit, Katie Furbee, Isabelle Howes, and Liz Plumley were recognized for their contributions to the Scots' field hockey program.
Wooster will close the regular season on Sunday with a visit from Bethany (W. Va.) College (1-13) at 1 p.m.