Denison suffered a 1-0 setback to DePauw University in their North Coast Athletic Conference opener on Saturday afternoon from Barclay-Thomsen Field in Granville, Ohio.

In the first half, the Big Red held a commanding 7-2 advantage in shots and a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.  Sophomore goalie Matt Wagner was forced to make two saves for DU, while DePauw keeper Nathan Sprenkel didn't face a shot on net.

The Tigers wasted no time taking lead in the second frame when Ryan Keefe found a streaking Andy Morrison.  Morrison settled the pass and released a shot that slipped past the charging Wagner in the 47th minute.

Denison put together an offensive charge that generated two quality scoring chances.  At 55:23, junior Ryan Torgersen sent a cross from the right side that found the head of Chris Olson.  However, the senior's shot attempt from short range went just left of the goal.  Less than two minutes later, Bob Casarona sent in a crossing pass that found defender Will Krentz.  Krentz's header in the 57th minute also sailed wide left.  The Big Red outshot DePauw 9-6 in the second period, but couldn't net the equalizer before time expired.

DU attempted twice as many shots as the Tigers (16-8), but failed to register a shot on goal.  The physical match between the two NCAC rivals produced 39 fouls, including nine cards.  Denison attempted 11 corner kicks compared to just three by DePauw.

Olson paced the Big Red attack with five shots, while Preston Wagner and Krentz each attempted three.  Matt Wagner finished the day with three saves.

Denison falls to 3-2-1 overall and 0-1 in the league, while DePauw improves to 5-1 on the season and 1-0 in the NCAC.  The Big Red returns to the pitch on Wednesday (Sept. 21) when they host Muskingum University at 7 p.m.