Oberlin Seniors Shine Under Saturday Night Lights

Chris Stoneman Senior Staff Writer

In the past few weeks, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, and field hockey all paid homage to their graduating classes through senior night games.

The first honorees were men’s soccer fourth-years Jon Schafer, Alec Gembala, Jesper Soelvberg, and Zack Butter, who were all recognized prior to the team’s Oct. 19 match against Hiram College. The Yeomen sent them out in style with a dominant victory over the Terriers, recording a blowout score of 5–1. Goals were spread out evenly throughout the depth chart, with Schafer capitalizing off a corner for a remarkable header at the 55th minute mark and second-year Xander Francoeur putting in his seventh goal at the 72nd minute mark, the most made on the team this year.

For Gembala, the last game was a touching moment, but he was glad he celebrated with his teammates, especially since the four seniors had a lot of playing time together for their final game on Fred Shults Field.

“Having the guys on the soccer team has been great for me,” Gembala wrote in an email to the Review. “I don’t think my experience here would have been nearly as good without them. The last game of the season was pretty emotional, as soccer has been part of my entire life and even more important these past few years. I would say I am pretty lucky to have played this game and make the type of friends I have.”

A particular spotlight was cast on fourth-year Camille Franklin, the team’s only women’s soccer graduating member, during their matchup against Ohio Wesleyan University this past Saturday. Though the game ended in a tie, the Yeowomen put on a formidable performance against the Battling Bishops. As the night’s honoree, Franklin did not disappoint. The midfielder had a strong defensive performance and almost secured an Oberlin victory with a narrowly missed shot that bounced off the goal. Along with Franklin, third-year goalkeeper Benji Maddox put on a stellar showing, shutting the opposing offense out entirely in both halves. After Franklin’s final match, the team carried her above their heads with joy and celebrated the end of her collegiate career.

“I loved being a part of this team for four years,” she said. “There is something so special about Yeo Athletics. I have made so many amazing friendships while I was here, and I am so sad to leave. I have achieved so much at Oberlin College, and I am so thankful for everyone that has supported me along the way.”

Volleyball celebrated fourth-years Lucy Myers, Iyanna Lewis, Lindsey Felton and Zoe Kuzbari Friday prior to their game against Alma College. In a back-and-forth five-set rollercoaster, the Yeowomen were unfortunately unable to emerge victorious and lost with a final score of three sets to two. Myers put on a stellar showcase in her final game at Oberlin, producing a career-high 53-assists.

“Although it wasn’t the result we hoped for, it was a tough fought game,” Myers said. “We’re hopeful that it gave us the energy and momentum we need as we enter conference play this coming weekend! My favorite part of my volleyball career at Oberlin has been my teammates and the lifelong friendships I’ve formed. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without my team, and it’s been exciting to see how far we’ve come these past seasons.”

Before its Saturday match against The College of Wooster, field hockey honored four seniors — fourth-years Jackie Oh, Post, Vanessa Baker, and Meredith Warden — on Bailey Field. Like volleyball, the Yeowomen lost in close fashion to the Scots, with a stinging final score of 1–0. However, senior goalkeeper Post provided a great performance, making six key saves throughout the match.

“The arch of growth during my time at Oberlin is the best it possibly could’ve been,” Post wrote in an email to the Review. “Senior day was incredibly special: my teammates, coaches, and senior parents made a huge effort to honor us. Getting my 100th save in the season in that game also made it special. The mark the team has left on me is hard to describe: my teammates taught me how important the pursuit of passion is, how to assume grace in ourselves and one another, and most of all how to celebrate family. Really couldn’t have asked for a better experience this fall!”

Football will honor its seniors Saturday, Nov. 12 at a home game against Wooster, and cross country will honor its seniors at the end of outdoor track season in the spring. We at the Review wish the very best to our graduating athletic class!

The Men’s soccer team honored seniors Jon Schafer, Alec Gembala, Jesper Soelvberg, and Zack Butter before kickoff. Photo Courtesy of Lucas Draper

Women’s soccer senior and captain Camille Franklin poses with her mom. Courtesy of Kali Bateman

Field hockey seniors Jackie Oh, Meredith Warden, Vanessa Baker, and Post smile on Bailey Field. Courtesy of Lily Jurman

Volleyball seniors Zoe Kuzbari, Lindsey Felton, Lucy Myers, and Iyanna Lewis were celebrated before their game. Photo Courtesy of Oberlin Athletics

Intramural Doubles Pickleball League Brings Fun, Competition

Continued from page 16

“We both signed up for cornhole and had a lot of fun with that,” Wood said. “It’s nice to just still be competitive but try a different sport now and kind of take a break from football.”

Although Bilingual Staff Therapist Libni López and Executive Director of the Career Development Center Anthony Pernell-McGee “lost terribly” to fourth-year men’s soccer players Jon Schafer and Zack Butter in their Tuesday afternoon game, they still enjoyed the exercise break and the chance to meet students.

“[Pickleball is] an opportunity to meet other faculty, staff, and students outside of whatever work that they’re doing or their office,” López said. “It gives you a little bit of a break … from your office to get your body moving. It makes the day a little bit easier.”

Schoenhoft said that just like the cornhole league prior, the pickleball league provided the opportunity to unite different members of the Oberlin community. In fact, many of the pickleball competitors played in the cornhole league, like Ephraim and Wood. She also said that there are more intramural leagues, including basketball for the winter and softball for the spring, for players to enjoy, even hinting at the return of another pickleball league.

“You don’t have to have a ton of experience,” Schoenhoft said. “[In the] cornhole league prior we had student athletes, we had non-student athletes, we had staff. I think that’s the whole point: to bring a lot of different diverse communities together.”

The league runs until Nov. 22 in West Phillips gym, playing on Mondays at 7 p.m. and Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to watch.