Box Score
Ohio Wesleyan 3, Hiram 0

Junior forward Ali Claus (Milford) scored the game-winner in the eighth minute and Ohio Wesleyan went on to defeat Hiram in a North Coast Athletic Conference contest on Wednesday at the Jay Martin Soccer Complex.

The win clinches a spot in next week's NCAC tournament for the Bishops, Ohio Wesleyan's first NCAC tournament appearance since 2011.  After Wednesday's action, Ohio Wesleyan and Kenyon are tied for the league lead with 13 points, with DePauw in third place with 12 points and Denison in fourth place with 11 points.

The Bishops took the lead when sophomore defender Kaylee DeShong (Canal Winchester) sent a long ball up the left side to freshman midfielder Athena Kolettis (Northfield/Nordonia).  Kolettis took a touch and centered to a wide-open Claus, who finished the chance for a 1-0 lead.

Ohio Wesleyan would outshoot Hiram, 19-0, during the first half, but the Terrier defense kept the game close, with keeper Skyler Huda making 5 saves and the rest of the Terriers blocking 5 shots and clogging passing lanes.

Sophomore midfielder Ryan O'Neill (Cincinnati/Maineville Little Miami) added to the lead in the 60th minute, launching a 25-yard shot that found the back of the Hiram net.

Just over a minute later, freshman forward Jaz Brooker (Powell/Olentangy Liberty) centered to freshman midfielder Paige Neal (Louisville, Ky./duPont Manual), whose shot was true for a 3-0 margin.

Ohio Wesleyan outshot Hiram, 31-1.  Freshman goalkeeper Natalie Ryan (Beavercreek/Dayton Carroll) posted the shutout in the Bishop goal. 

Box Score