SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan field hockey team hit the road Saturday morning for an NCAC showdown with Wittenberg. The Battling Bishops maintained control throughout the contest, but were unable to strike in regulation. In overtime, freshman Zoë Smith was called upon for a penalty stroke, where she delivered, winning the contest for the Red and Black.
OWU improves to 9-5, with a 7-1 record in conference. Wittenberg falls to 5-10, and 5-3 in conference play.
The Bishops started slow, as they took just four shots in the first half. Following the intermission, the Red and Black began to find their groove, as they generated five chances in the third quarter, and nine in the fourth. However, the team was unable to convert, leaving the contest scoreless after 60 minutes.
In the sudden-death period, the Battling Bishops earned a penalty stroke just six minutes in. Freshman Zoë Smith has converted two of three penalty stroke attempts this season for the Bishops, making her the natural choice for the opportunity. Smith capitalized, burying the shot for her third goal of the year.
The goal keeps OWU in playoff contention as the season winds down, remaining just behind DePauw.
Bishop defenders
Katie Conway,
Emma Morgeson and
Emma Reynolds shined once again, as the trio limited Wittenberg to just two shots in the game.
THE NUMBERS
OWU controlled the attack, posting a 21–2 advantage in total shots and a 12–1 edge in shots on goal.
Zoë Smith executed her lone shot attempt, bringing her season total to three goals and six points.
Other Bishops generating chances were
Emma Wright (5 SH, 4 SOG),
Grace Ammon (6 SH, 3 SOG),
Avery Slucher (2 SH, 1 SOG),
Morgan Leeper (3 SH, 1 SOG),
Brogan Heilig (2 SH, 1 SOG),
Alyssa Markell (1 SH, 1 SOG), and
Susie Benincasa (1 SH).
OWU earned 14 penalty corners compared to Wittenberg's two.
Payton Mindel (9-5) got the start and played the full 60+ minutes, securing her ninth win of the season. She made one save.
UP NEXT
The Bishops bring their regular season to a close on Saturday, November 1, as they travel to Oberlin. The game is set to begin at 12 p.m.
