On Saturday, the Kenyon field hockey team traveled to Granville, Ohio, where the team faced its most recent NCAC opponent, Denison University. Trailing statistically throughout both halves, the Owls fell 4-0 to the Big Red, putting them eighth in the conference with a current record of 4-5 (1-2 NCAC).

Throughout the first quarter, the Owls endured increasing pressure from the Big Red, with goalkeeper Megan Lydon ’25 making four saves in the period. The rest of the quarter consisted of on-and-off possession. However, Justine Cole ’25, Maren Lawrence ’27 and Grace Lane ’25 were able to notch shots for Kenyon. 

The Owls took a more defensive approach to the second quarter, aside from an early penalty corner from Hannah Paprotna ’24. Then with three minutes left in the half, Denison was awarded a critical corner in which they were able to pass the ball around Lydon to secure the first goal of the game. 

As the second half began, the Big Red was able to find a clear path through the defense to make it 2-0. In the fourth quarter, Dension scored two more goals past the Kenyon defense, with another coming off of a penalty corner. Kenyon was outshot 12-4 on the day, with Lydon being forced to make eight saves.

Despite the difficult matchup, the Owls persevered and fought off the Big Red to the best of their ability. In an email to the Collegian, Lawrence described how the importance of NCAC play is fueling the team: “[We] feel more pressure but we’re using that pressure to work harder and focus up”. Lawrence believes the Owls can focus on the little things, such as “[s]tarting games strong and with maximum effort and staying consistent and composed for the whole game.”

More than halfway through the season, Kenyon will next take on DePauw University, the Owls’ third NCAC matchup of the year, at The Field at Benson Bowl at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.