Following a 3-0 victory over Kenyon College on Wednesday afternoon from Deeds Field-Piper Stadium, the Denison Big Red field hockey team has matched its best start in school history at 8-0.

DU jumped all over the Ladies early when Katie McMahon slipped a pass to Hilary Zdanowski in front of the goal in the sixth minute of play.  The one goal lead would stand until the 23:51 mark of the first half.  That's when Catie Merrick cleaned up a rebound off a shot by Zdanowski for her second goal of the season and second in as many games since returning from an injury that sidelined her for four games.

The 2-0 lead lasted only 45 seconds after McMahon stole the ball at midfield and sprinted down the right side of the field.  Just inside the shooting circle, McMahon sent a bullet past Kenyon goalie Sydney Carney-Knisely for DU's third goal of the half.

Those three goals would be all the Big Red would need despite an inspired effort by Kenyon in the second half.  Denison ended up outshooting Kenyon, 16-11.  DU attempted eight penalty corners to Kenyon's five and Big Red goalie Brittany Benson ended with three saves while Laura Campbell posted two saves in just under seven minutes of action.  Big Red defender Karla Dixon posted her first defensive save of the season in the second half.

The win moves Denison to 8-0 for the first time since the 1980 season.  That team went on to post a 21-3 record.  This also marked the fifth shutout of the season for DU as the offense has outscored its opponents, 24-4.  The Big Red will look to set a new school record for a start to a season on Friday when they travel to Richmond, Ind. for a 4:30 p.m. start.