GRANVILLE -- Jen Durbin's score in the 48th minute powered the Denison field hockey team to a 1-0 win over Earlham on Saturday at Piper Stadium.

Despite outshooting the Quakers 10-4 in the opening 35 minute of play, the Big Red found themselves in a scoreless tie with Earlham at the intermission. Freshman Charlotte Happel had a chance to end the scoring drought off a cross from senior captain Abby Martone. However, Happel pushed her attempt wide right of the cage.

Nearly four minutes after Happel's scoring chance, Durbin finally broke the scoreless tie at 47:58. Sophomore Lucy Pearsall initiated the scoring play with a shot attempt. Durbin was able to deflect the Pearsall shot past goalie Camille van der Vaart for the game's first and only goal. For Durbin, it marked her fourth goal of the season, while the assist was Pearsall's seventh of the year. The Big Red never gave Earlham a chance to tie it, outshooting the visitors 11-0 in the second period.

Big Red goalie Ellen Westfall turned aside the only shot on goal she faced, while van der Vaart finished with 10 saves on the afternoon. Westfall has now posted seven shutouts this season and 11 for her career. Maite Turlings led the Quakers with three shots and a defensive save, while Happel and Pearsall combined for 12 of Denison's 21 shots.

The Big Red improves to 12-3 overall and 9-2 in the North Coast Athletic Conference, while Earlham falls to 6-10 and 3-8 in conference play. Denison returns to action Sunday (Oct. 23) when they host NCAC leader DePauw at 12 p.m.