Wittenberg's Boo Vernon broke a scoreless tie in the 58th minute off a redirected penalty corner, helping lead the Tigers to a 1-0 victory over the Denison Big Red from Deeds Field-Piper Stadium on Friday afternoon in Granville, Ohio.

In what was a very evenly played match, the Big Red went right at the first-place Tigers from the opening whistle.  In the first half, one of DU's best scoring opportunities came just three minutes before halftime off back-to-back penalty corners.  On the first, Katie McMahon (Wilmette, Ill./New Trier) played the ball into Catie Merrick (Owings Mills, Md./Garrison Forest) who's shot was saved by Wittenberg goalie Jenny Schaafsma.  The Big Red were awarded a second penalty corner and this time, Merrick attempted to scoop the ball into the cage.  Her shot sailed high and to the right of the goal.

Early in the second half the Big Red were back at it when McMahon took consecutive shots on-goal.  The first was saved by Schaafsma but the loose ball was secured by McMahon who momentarily had a clear view of the cage.  Her second shot attempt looked as if it may sneak through until Eva de Hoog got her stick on the ball for Wittenberg's lone defensive save.

Vernon's goal would occur 16 minutes later off a Meredith Price assist.

Wittenberg (10-2, 7-1 NCAC) edged Denison in shot attempts, 10-9.  The Tigers received eight penalty corners while the Big Red were awarded six.  Brittany Benson (Wilmette, Ill./New Trier) finished with three saves in goal for DU while Schaafsma posted six saves for the Tigers.

Denison (5-9, 4-5 NCAC) will be back in action tomorrow (Oct. 16) when they host DePauw at 12 p.m.