Field Hockey starts season with 2-1 setback

The Wells College field hockey team began its season Thursday at home and dropped a 2-1 contest to Ohio Wesleyan in the first game of the year for both teams. Wells opened the scoring in the first half, but the visiting Battling Bishops answered with two goals later in the first half.

Wells opened the scoring in the ninth minute of the contest, off of a penalty corner. After the ball was inserted by Logan Vincent, the Express attacked the cage from inside the circle. Ivy Cromp slid a pass across to Shianne Stokes who scored from in front.

The lead lasted about 10 minutes, before Ohio Wesleyan tied it with a goal from Candace Chanelli, assisted by Alexis Roberts. Julia Melio scored the eventual game-winning goal for Ohio Wesleyan with just over eight minutes remaining in the half. Her shot from inside the top of the circle was deflected into the cage off of a defending player.

Wells managed three shots in the second half and earned two penalty corners but couldn't strike for the equalizing goal. An up-field attack for Wells in the closing seconds of the game looked promising, but Ohio Wesleyan turned the ball away and the half expired.

Wells goalkeeper Sydney Line made five saves. Ohio Wesleyan goalkeeper Jackie Feliciano had one save.

The Express returns to action this weekend, with road games on Saturday at Houghton and on Sunday at Cedar Crest.