Mequon, Wisconsin – Launching their 2026 campaign on the road, the Oberlin College field hockey team traveled to Concordia Wisconsin on Tuesday afternoon. A rematch from last season's double-overtime victory for the Crimson and Gold, the Falcons recorded the 2-0 victory.
Willow Maniscalco posted her first career start, delivering a career-best seven saves, while rookie
Mia Rubin notched her collegiate debut in the second half to finish with eight saves. Concordia maintained the edge on shots, registering 22 shots with 17 on target while Oberlin posted three shots, all on goal. Additionally, the Falcons held an 8-5 advantage in penalty corners.
Concordia got off to a quick start, launching a shot towards the net as Maniscalco deflected the ball away. The Falcons produced another shot on goal before converting a shot at 5:42 to get on the board with a 1-0 lead. Oberlin drew a penalty corner six minutes into the contest, allowing
Clare Kammeier to drill a shot that was saved by the Concordia goalkeeper before
Paloma Szyfer posted another attempt for the Crimson and Gold.
Just over a minute into the second quarter, Maniscalco delivered an impressive performance, recording four saves in just over 10 seconds. Just over a minute remaining in the second period, Concordia doubled their edge, entering the break with a 2-0 advantage.
The Falcons controlled possession for much of the second half as Rubin posted six saves in the third period. Oberlin's final scoring opportunity came with just over one minute remaining as
Shelby Roth directed the ball towards the goal, but the Concordia goalkeeper kept the Crimson and Gold off the board to secure the 2-0 victory.
"Although this wasn't the result we wanted to start the season, there were some really positive moments for us to build on. We created opportunities and showed glimpses of what we're capable of, but struggled at times to connect consistently as a group and didn't capitalize when we had chances. That's part of the early-season growth," Head Coach
Jess West adds. "We're excited to get back to work this week, learn from today and continue moving forward together as we prepare to be back home against Sweet Briar."
Oberlin will return to action on Saturday, September 5 for their home opener when they host Sweet Briar at 10 a.m.
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