GRANVILLE, Ohio (Sept. 8) – Coming off a tough overtime loss less than 24 hours before, the Denison University field hockey team found its offensive footing in a 4-2 win over Concordia Wisconsin in non-conference action Sunday.
The Big Red came out with energy and urgency that allowed them to secure their first win of the 2024 season. Denison held decided advantages in shots (18-6) and penalty corners (10-3).
Despite the advantages, it was the visiting Falcons who scored first. During its first real threat of the contest, Concordia picked up a penalty corner chance and made the opportunity pay off. Emily Robertson was able to collect a rebound and score to give the Falcons an early lead just 5:27 into the game.
Denison quickly countered with the tying goal with just less than five minutes remaining in the first.
Claire Willoughby was able to collect the ball and finish back post after a scrum in front of the goal.
Reilly Desmond was able to keep the play alive before shuffling the ball over to Willoughby for the assist.
The Big Red took its first lead of the contest just 18 seconds into the second quarter when
Emma Gebhart was able to smack a backhanded shot into the back of the cage unassisted. The lead remained 2-1 through the quarter into halftime.
Willoughby and Gebhart combined to account for a third quarter score for the Big Red. Gebhart was able to trickle a pass through traffic to Willoughby, who finished into the left corner of the goal. Willoughby's second goal of the game gave Denison some breathing room, as they lead moved to 3-1 with 6:45 to play in the third.
A pair of first-year players connected to set up the fourth and final goal of the day for the Big Red.
Maddie Gaines was able to tally her first collegiate goal, finishing in front of the cage following a pass from the left by
Madden Phelps. Concordia concluded the scoring with just a little more than five minutes remaining. Paige Armijo was able to deflect a shot in front out top to cut the Denison lead to 4-2.
Gebhart, who was active throughout the contest, finished with a game-high eight shots.
Lauren Proicou chipped in three shots off the bench.
The multi-goal game was the second of Willoughby's career. The sophomore scored twice last season in a 4-0 win over Kenyon.
Athena Joannou made four saves in goal to pick up the victory.
Denison hits the road next weekend for a pair of non-conference matches. The Big Red will face Gettysburg on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. Next weekend marks the final pair of non-league games before the start of conference play.
