GRANVILLE, Ohio – The two-seed Ohio Wesleyan University field hockey team (15-5, 8-2 NCAC) competed in the NCAC Tournament Final at Denison (16-2, 10-0 NCAC) on Saturday afternoon. The Battling Bishops fell short to Big Red with a result of 4-1, ultimately ending the season as the NCAC Tournament runner-up.
The Bishops put up one shot attempt in the first coach by Emma Renyolds, compared to the Big Red's five. However, neither team was able to execute a goal during the quarter, resulting in a scoreless game going into the second.
Denison came out strong in the second quarter with a goal in the 28th minute. The Battling Bishops then retaliated with a goal less than two minutes later by
Emmerson Crist, assisted by Reagan Shifflet to tie up the game 1-1 going into halftime.
Unfortunately, the OWU's efforts fell short in the third quarter of the game when, right out of the gate, Denison scored a goal in the 31st minute to take the lead 2-1. The Big Red backed up their lead with another goal in the 38th minute to make the score 3-1. Renyolds responded with a shot on target, but was unable to score, ending the third quarter 3-1.
Denison solidified their victory with a final goal in the fourth quarter in the 51st minute. The Bishops were unable to comeback and score, ultimately leading to a 4-1 loss.
THE NUMBERS
The Big Red kept a 12-5 advantage in shots, 8-3 in shots on goal, and 4-3 in penalty corners. The Bishops made four saves compared to two for Denison.
Emmerson Crist scored the only goal for the Bishops to tally four goals and nine points for the season.
Reagan Shifflett recorded one assist to finish the season with five assists.
Payton Mindel (15-5) made four saves, totaling 61 saves this season.
