Field Hockey Falls to Marian University 4-1

Zach Napora, Contributing Writer

The Fighting Scots field hockey team faced a tough opponent last Sunday as they lost to Marian University 4-1 at John P. Papp Stadium. Wooster went down early, with Marian’s (4-2) Allyson Nichols ’26 finding the net in the 20th minute. The Sabres doubled their lead just six minutes later, this time with Nichols grabbing the assist to Jikke Biemans ’26. The Scots were able to halve the deficit thanks to Mary Johnson’s ’26 team-leading fifth goal of the year, assisted by Maddie Peak ’24 in the 43rd minute. However, despite controlling a majority of the possession, the Scots were unable to stop Marian’s Jikke Biemans from scoring two goals on penalty-corner inserts in the fourth period, completing her hat-trick.

The Scots may be frustrated by this result, as the box score reveals a 23-9 lead in shots and a 10-6 advantage on penalty corners on the day. Both kept opposition keeper Brenna Abrahamson ’24 busy, as she made eight saves to preserve the Marian lead. This season has not been without its challenges for Wooster so far, with a new head coach and illness keeping their already small bench even tighter. However, According to Maddie Peak ’24, these challenges have not slowed the team’s drive, saying, “that has not stopped us from working hard and improving every day.” Peak believes that “so far, we have made some huge improvements in our team chemistry, and I think we will continue to do so.” 

The Scots will have a great opportunity to respond to last Sunday’s result as they play Earlham on Oct. 8 for the second time this year, another in their stretch of four games at home. The last time these two teams met, Wooster won its first game of the season, grabbing a 4-1 away win. This rematch sets up an opportunity for the Scots to get back to winning. As Peak ’24 put it, “I am looking forward to our game against Earlham on Oct. 8 because when we played them at their field, we played really well and that was one of the first games our team started to come together and play as a unit.” The Scots will be helped by their schedule too, with no midweek game allowing them to put all their focus into their contest against Earlham. 

Midfielder Delaney Gross ’24 agrees, saying that “after our loss this Sunday we have an entire week of practice to prepare for our next game.” Gross spoke to the advantage the Scots gained by adding that, “we have time to refocus and spend time at practice addressing the shortcomings that occurred against Marian.” 

The Scots have reason to feel optimistic. Despite starting off 0-1 in conference play, the season is still very early and a tough double overtime defeat to Denison should light a fire for the rematch on Oct. 15. The team also seems very excited by this possibility. As Gross noted, “our game against them Black and Gold Weekend was so close, and it would be great to see us get a win against them!” 

Wooster will have to face DePauw in conference play first, that game at home on Oct. 9. The DePauw Tigers are currently 1-0 in conference after a tight win against Ohio Wesleyan, and should be a good test for the Scots as they ramp up the season.