Oberlin, Ohio - The Oberlin College field hockey team battled North Coast opponent Ohio Wesleyan during their final match of the 2025 season.
The Crimson and Gold defense battled the forceful Ohio Wesleyan offense, outshooting Oberlin 32-3. Appearing in the cage for all 60 minutes of regulation, senior goalkeeper Janny McCormick produced a career-high 21 saves.
Ohio Wesleyan saw their first offensive opportunity at 2:41, ripping a shot on cage as McCormick kept the ball out of the net. OWU continued to deliver pressure on Oberlin with back-to-back shots in the 12' as McCormick stopped both attempts. The Crimson and Gold pushed to keep the opponents away from the circle for the remaining four minutes of the period.
Following an Ohio Wesleyan corner at 22:24, the Battling Bishops sent a trio of shots on target. McCormick slid into a dive to stop the first attempt. Positioning herself on the left of the cage to stop a cross, OWU drilled a shot towards the bottom right as senior Elly Scheer deflected the shot for a defensive save. Tipping the loose ball above Scheer, Ohio Wesleyan claimed the opening goal at 22:39.
Oberlin secured their first corner 30 seconds into the third period, but the OWU backline kept the hosts from posting a shot. Minutes later, the Yeowomen were granted a second corner. Scheer sent the ball to first-year Shelby Roth, passing the ball to junior Bella Tilford for the shot. Controlling the ball past the Battling Bishop defense, Tilford drilled the shot just a few yards out but was stopped by the Ohio Wesleyan goalkeeper.
Maintaining the ball on their attacking end, sophomore Johana Horvath launched a shot from the edge of the circle, but was kicked away by the OWU keeper. The Battling Bishops continued to control the offensive edge, recording nine more shots in the period.
Ohio Wesleyan won their second penalty-stroke opportunity of the game five minutes into the final period. Sending the ball to the far left of the cage past McCormick, the Battling Bishops extended their lead to two. Minutes later, OWU drilled a shot from the edge of the circle as McCormick launched towards the ground for the save. Violette Alcantar controlled the ricochet, sending the ball into the open net. Unable to find a final scoring opportunity, Oberlin dropped the 3-0 decision.
Jess West and Co. wrap their season at 4-9 overall, going 1-8 in NCAC action. The team notched a total of 15 goals this year, improving from 2024's three scores.
"This season was a step forward in growth, grit, and belief," West adds. "I'm proud of how our team continued to compete and embody the culture we're building—one rooted in hard work, accountability, and pride for Oberlin. Every challenge this year strengthened our foundation, and I'm confident the lessons we've learned will fuel even greater success as we continue to raise the standard for this program."
The Crimson and Gold now turn their attention to the spring offseason, where they'll welcome back all but their two graduating seniors.
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