Box Score Karla Dixon scored her first career goal on Wednesday afternoon against Kenyon and it couldn't have come at a better time. The junior captain blasted a slap shot past the Ladies' goalie in the 41st minute, breaking a 1-1 tie, propelling the Big Red to a 2-1 win.
It was a critical match between the two conference rivals who entered today's match tied for second-place in the North Coast Athletic Conference with 7-3 records.
It was Denison who drew first blood in the fifth minute of play when Katie McMahon dribbled in front of the Kenyon defense and goalie Sydney Carney-Knisely to score on the empty cage. The goal was the 12th of the season for McMahon.
DU's lead would last until there was eight minutes remaining in the first half. The Ladies attempted eight penalty corners in the first half and on their fifth try, Rachel Hall sent a pass to Leah Jacques who converted for her second goal of the season.
The Big Red dodged a bullet late in the first half when the Ladies were awarded a penalty stroke as time expired after a shot attempt by Christine Bloom. Cecilia Depman attempted the stroke for Kenyon but sent her shot attempt wide and to the right, keeping the score knotted at 1-1.
Just five minutes into the second half, DU was awarded a corner that was taken by Hilary Zdanowski. The senior sent the ball to Catie Merrick who passed to Dixon, who scored the goal.
DU would have a number of opportunities to double its lead in the second half. The best chance came in the 45th minute when Merrick got out on a fast break and sent her shot off the post.
With just seconds left in regulation, Kenyon was awarded a penalty corner, but Depman's attempt to tie the game was stifled by Brittany Benson.
The two teams tied with 15 shot attempts, apiece. Benson posted nine saves for Denison while Carney-Knisely finished with seven. The Ladies held a 13-5 advantage in penalty corner attempts.
Denison improves to 12-4 overall and 8-3 in the NCAC while Kenyon drops to 8-7 and 7-4 in conference play.
