By Steven Hoffman

Staff Writer

After three straight close games against Bishop Shanahan, Upper Merion, and Great Valley, Oxford got off to a strong start and never looked back, handing Rustin a 5-0 loss on Sept. 18.

“This was the win that we needed to get the confidence back,” said Oxford head coach Anne Marie Anderson. The victory improved Oxford’s record to 5-2.

Katie Dodson, a junior, netted the first goal of the game, setting the tone of the first half. The Hornets’ offense managed to push the ball up time after time, demonstrating good passing and communication.

After a timeout with 10:22 left to play in the first half, Oxford increased the lead to 2-0 when Dodson scored again. A few minutes later, Dodson completed the first-half hat trick. The momentum belonged fully to Oxford.

The second half was a much different story. It was Rustin that was doing the better job of pushing the ball up and creating shots on goal. Despite being under duress, Oxford’s defense turned back Rustin’s offense time and again, preserving the 3-0 lead.

One of Rustin’s best scoring opportunities came with about nine minutes left to play, but Oxford goalkeeper Kassidy England skillfully deflected the ball away.

After the sustained offensive pressure failed to produce a goal for Rustin, the momentum swung back Oxford’s way.

The Hornets made it 4-0 when Julia Koehler scored a goal. Then, with just under three minutes to play, Dodson scored her fourth goal of the game to put the finishing touches on a 5-0 win.

Oxford has won three games this season by shutout. Anderson said that the defense is a strong point for the team.

Oxford’s defense is led by starters Brooke Hostettor, Ellie Hostettor, and Maddie Lehr. Anderson said that they are patient, focused, and they don’t get rattled.

“They all do a phenomenal job and they work well together,” Anderson explained.

England, who turned in nine saves against Rustin, has been good in goal for the Hornets all season.

Oxford has come to count on Dodson’s offensive prowess.

“She’s been working really hard for us,” Anderson said.

Oxford will look to continue its winning ways with a Sept. 24 game at West Chester East and a Sept. 27 home game against Octorara that is Oxford’s Homecoming game.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email [email protected].