The Kenyon field hockey team was dominant this week, putting in a strong defensive effort against the DePauw University Tigers (Ind.) in a 2-0 victory on Sunday, and defeating the College of Wooster Fighting Scots 2-1 on Wednesday.

The Ladies went into Sunday’s game looking to extend their three-game win and shutout streak, in addition to an eight-game winning streak against the Tigers. The entire 60-minute affair was hard-fought, with the two goals coming from the team’s leading scorers Sarah Metzmaier ’22 and Bella Kern ’23. 

While the first quarter was scoreless, Metzmaier broke the tie in the first minute of the second quarter, firing a shot past DePauw’s goalkeeper. For the next 43 minutes, the Ladies faced a defensive test, particularly in the third quarter when DePauw accelerated their efforts to break the tie. Kenyon’s Payton Doan ’23 turned away DePauw’s five shots on goal throughout the game, helping to keep the Ladies in front. Though Metzmaier’s goal was all the offense the team needed, Kern, the reigning NCAC Field Hockey Athlete of the Week, tacked on an insurance goal in the 58th minute, converting a rebound after a penalty corner.

After that, Kenyon was able to run out the clock against the Tigers and secure a 2-0 win. 

“The team did an excellent job remaining calm and collected during the game, especially in the second half. Our team communicates well with each other, and this also helped us,” Kern said of the conference victory.

On Wednesday, the Ladies managed to battle back from an 1-0 deficit and secure a competitive 2-1 victory. After Wooster scored a goal in the 14th minute, the Ladies answered right back, with Kern scoring a goal two minutes later off an assist from Metzmaier. Metzmaier, who tallied six shots, including five on goal, knocked in what proved to be the game-winning score in the third quarter.

Kern credits the success they’ve seen this season to the team’s cohesive identity. “I know we have a really special group of girls who all have so much love for each other and the game, so I think if we keep being resilient and cheering each other on, this will continue to be a really successful and rewarding season,” she said.

Kenyon’s win over Wooster puts their record at an impressive 6-2 on the season. Their next game is at home on Saturday, Oct. 2 against conference opponent Allegheny College at 12:00 p.m.