Danville, Ky. — The Centre Colonels defeated the Wittenberg Tigers, 6-3, at Andy Frye Stadium.
The game opened with early offensive opportunities from the Tigers, who recorded two shots on goal and earned penalty corners but were unable to convert. The Colonels then shifted the momentum, generating sustained offensive pressure and recording five shots on goal and three penalty corners of their own. Despite the offensive chances from both sides, neither team was able to find the back of the net, as the game remained scoreless heading into the second quarter.
The Colonels came out in the second quarter with a quick offensive start, generating several early shots before Ashley Hamilton put Centre on the board just 2:31 into the quarter. Wittenberg responded immediately, as Lexi Cutler found the back of the net off a penalty corner to even the score. Cutler struck again later in the quarter, giving the Tigers a 2-1 advantage.
Centre refused to go away quietly. Olivia Vonderheide came through late in the quarter, finding the back of the net to bring the Colonels level at 2-2 heading into halftime.
The Colonels took the momentum and came out strong after halftime, with Rylee Carothers scoring her first career goal off an assist from Abbie Woolley to give the Colonels a 3-2 lead. Ashley Hamilton added another goal off an assist from Lola Florea, extending Centre's advantage to 4-2. Wittenberg had chances to respond, but Centre goalkeeper, Addie Sheridan, came up with key saves to preserve the lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Centre continued to pressure Wittenberg early in the final quarter, with Olivia Vonderheide scoring at 49:05 to make it 5-2. Rylee Carothers added another goal shortly after, extending the Colonels' lead to 6-2.
Wittenberg answered with a late goal from Lexi Cutler, assisted by Anna Uhlenhake, but Centre held on for the 6-3 victory. The Colonels dominated the offensive side as they outshot Wittenberg 25-11 overall, including 17-9 on goal. The attack also drew 10 penalty corners. Addie Sheridan tallied 6 saves in her first start of the season.
The Colonels go for a second straight win when they head up to Ohio as they compete against John Carroll on September 12th at Noon.
