WOOSTER, Ohio – A standout defensive effort enabled The College of Wooster field hockey team to take Ohio Wesleyan University to overtime on Saturday afternoon at John P. Papp Stadium. The Battling Bishops' Alyssa Markell scored the game-winner 3:18 into overtime.

Wooster's (4-10, 2-8 North Coast Athletic Conference) season concluded on Saturday, and prior to the game, the team honored its lone senior, Ashley Reynolds. Saturday's senior day was extra memorable for Reynolds, with younger sister, Emma, playing on Ohio Wesleyan's team.

Junior Cate Barkdoll had a day, recording 20 saves, a career-high by four. Barkdoll was busy the entire game, as Ohio Wesleyan (15-4, 9-1 NCAC) attempted 44 shots, and at least nine in each period of regulation. Barkdoll's most impressive save arguably came in the third period when a Battling Bishop looked to go high on the junior. That proved no problem for Barkdoll, who was on the ground at the time, as the Scots' 'keeper simply knocked it away with the blocker. Barkdoll made at least four saves in each period of regulation.

Wooster had 21 saves on the day. Junior Joey Beckerman made a team-leading fourth defensive save in the second period. That came in the midst of three Battling Bishop shots in a five-second span, the second of which was turned away by Barkdoll.

Markell's overtime winner came in transition from just inside the circle on the left wing. It found its way into the lower right corner of the cage and was Markell's sixth goal of the fall.

Barkdoll's 20 saves were three shy of a top-30 single-game ranking within Div. III this fall.

Wooster's lone shot came in the fourth off the stick of sophomore Audrey McKenna. Ohio Wesleyan's Meg McCarthy made the save.

Reynolds' career concluded with 48 games played, 36 of which were starts. The senior scored a goal as a first-year and ended 2024 with three defensive saves. 

Ohio Wesleyan earned a share of the NCAC title and the No. 1 seed for next week's conference tournament with the win.

Photo by Nick Bostic '26