November 13, 2009: Athletics

The Bishop defense converges on a ball played into the penalty area.

Photo by Sara Tincher

Men’s Soccer to Host NCAA Tournament Contest
Bishops gear up for the national stage

The Ohio Wesleyan men’s soccer team will begin the chase for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship this Sunday at its own Roy Rike Field.

The team is ranked third in the nation, won the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) championship and was the runner-up in the NCAC tournament. They are 18-1-2 going into the NCAA tournament, with their only loss being to NCAC rival Denison last Saturday.

Despite the rankings and the pressure of the upcoming NCAA tournament, head coach Jay Martin said the team is practicing like it has all year.

“This is the 30th time we’ve made the tournament, and I’ve learned that you don’t do anything differently,” Martin said. “We’re trying to stay healthy, refine our fitness and refine how we play.”

Martin said the fact that the team is ranked in the top five might put some added pressure on his team, but the real pressure will be felt by whoever comes to Roy Rike to face the Bishops.

“If we’re nervous, just think how nervous they’ll be,” Martin said. “They’re coming to our place to play (one of) the top team(s) in the nation.”

Martin said the loss to Denison could be partially attributed to the H1N1 virus, which kept key players on the sidelines during the Bishops’ last three games.

“We hate to lose, to Denison in particular.” Martin said. “But losing that game took the burden of being undefeated off the team. It showed us that we’re not invincible.”

Martin said key players this season have been brothers Tyler and Travis Wall (’11 and ’12), who led the Bishop offense. He also said the Bishops’ defensive line, consisting of Kevin McGowan ’10, Matt Giannetti ’10, Eric Laipple ’11 and Brian Greene ’11, has been outstanding.

The Bishops will play Transylvania (Ky.), a 2-1 winner over Capital, at 6 p.m. on Sunday at Roy Rike Field.

– Michelle Rotuno-Johnson ’12