WOOSTER, Ohio – Sophomore Sydney Schuster and senior Erika Womack provided the offensive firepower with their co-team-leading fifth goals on the young season, and The College of Wooster field hockey team's defense turned in a superb effort by holding Ohio Wesleyan University to 12 shot attempts during the Fighting Scots' 2-1 win in the team's home and North Coast Athletic Conference opener on Wednesday night at John P. Papp Stadium.
With the win, Wooster improves to 3-0 for the first time since 2009, and the Scots are 1-0 in league play for the third time in the last six seasons.
Wooster's faithful didn't have to wait long for the Scots to get on the board, as the Black & Gold capitalized on a penalty corner in the eighth minute. Sophomore Maggie Brown inserted to the top of the circle where a waiting Womack fired the shot past Ohio Wesleyan's (2-1, 0-1 NCAC) Paige Ross.
Alexis Roberts, who herself now has five goals on the year, pushed a loose ball into the cage for the equalizer in the 27th minute.
The Scots nearly struck for a goal in the 31st minute when Ross went to make a play on a loose ball in the circle. That led to back-to-back shot attempts by sophomore Caitlyn O'Connor, but Ross was able to recover in time to turn aside both attempts.
A minute later, Schuster redirected an attempt on cage by Womack, and the forward stayed with the play to chip the ensuing rebound over the Bishops' 'keeper for the game-winner.
Wooster's aggressiveness carried over to the second half, where the Scots had a 14-5 shot advantage. Womack and senior Maeven Barry both nearly made it a two-goal game in the 41st and 42nd minutes, respectively, but Ohio Wesleyan's backs were able to support Ross' 12 save effort with a pair of defensive saves.
Sophomore Katie Shideler tallied five saves for the Scots.
Wooster finished the contest with a 24-12 edge in the shot column, and an 11-8 advantage in penalty corners.
Wooster's five-game homestand continues with a 10 a.m. tilt against Hendrix College (0-1) on Saturday, Sept. 8.
