DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan field hockey team squared off with Denison under the lights on Tuesday in a pivotal matchup with bigtime NCAC implications. In a defensive battle, the Battling Bishops came out on top, holding Denison scoreless to earn a 1-0 win and hand the Big Red their first conference loss.

OWU advances to 7-5, with a 5-1 record in the NCAC, tying for the top spot in the conference with Denison, who drops to 7-6.

In the 16th minute, OWU capitalized on a penalty corner, as Mary Powers redirected an excellent pass from Emma Wright into the cage. That goal proved to be the difference, as both sides struggled to crack the opposing defense. 

The Bishop defense rose to the occasion, allowing just two shots from Denison in the contest. Defenders Katie Conway, Annabel Fauver and Emma Morgeson led the resilient defensive front, silencing the Big Red offense. 

THE NUMBERS
OWU outshot Denison 12-2, with a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal. 

Mary Powers continued her impressive season for the Bishops, executing her lone shot attempt for a team-leading ninth goal of the year. 

Emma Wright added an assist, bringing her season total to five — also a team high.

Other Bishops generating chances were Grace Ammon (3 SH, 1 SOG), Morgan Leeper (2 SH, 1 SOG), Avery Slucher (2 SH, 1 SOG), and Emma Reynolds (1 SH, 1 SOG). Brogan Heilig, Alyssa Markell, and Emma Wright each took one shot. 

OWU earned seven penalty corners to Denison's one.

Payton Mindel (7-5) got the start and played the full 60 minutes. She secured her seventh win of the year and made two crucial saves. 

UP NEXT
The Bishops continue conference play Wednesday, October 22th, as they travel to Allegheny. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m.