DELAWARE, Ohio – For the third straight season, the Ohio Wesleyan field hockey team squared off with Denison in the NCAC Championship. Calling it an intense battle would be an understatement, as the showdown between the top-seeded teams brought out the best in both sides. Sixty minutes was not enough to decide a champion, as a late Denison goal kept their season alive and sent the game to overtime. Denison ultimately struck in the ninth minute of the extra period to claim the 2025 NCAC Championship. 

The Battling Bishops finish the season 11-6, with a share of the NCAC regular season title. Denison improves to 12-6 and await their fate for the NCAA Division III tournament. 

The familiar foes brought the tempo early, generating several opportunities in the first period of play but remained scoreless heading into the second. In her first championship appearance, freshman Morgan Leeper rose to the moment, redirecting an incredible feed from Emma Morgeson into the cage to give the Bishops the lead in the 24th minute. Despite firing 10 shots to OWU's two in the first half, Denison found themselves down 1–0 heading into the break.

Following halftime, both teams continued to showcase their toughness and intensity. In the middle of the fourth quarter, Denison fired a shot that appeared to find the net, but it was ruled to be taken from outside the shooting circle, keeping the score 1–0. However, in the 59th minute, the Big Red struck, evening the contest and keeping their championship hopes alive. OWU was unable to respond in the final minute, sending the win-or-go-home contest into overtime.

In the 69th minute, Denison earned their 16th penalty corner of the game. The Big Red took advantage of the opportunity and buried a shot in the back of the cage, ultimately taking home the NCAC tournament championship and securing a bid into the NCAA Division III field hockey tournament. 

Before the post-game awards presentation, the following Bishops were named to the NCAC All-Tournament Team: Grace Ammon, Alyssa Markell, and Emma Wright. 

THE NUMBERS
OWU put up five shots with four on goal. Denison recorded 16 shots, 11 being on target. 

The Red and Black recorded six corners to Denison's 16. 

Morgan Leeper led the Bishop offense, delivering on her solo shot attempt. The goal brings her debut season total to three. 

Emma Morgeson tacked on her second collegiate assist, adding to the first she notched in the semifinal. 

Violette Alcantar, Mattison Hyland, and Avery Slucher all tallied one shot on goal. Emma Reynolds generated the remaining shot attempt.