Field hockey scores emphatic 6-1 win over western New England in season opener

MIDDLETOWN, Connecticut. – In a return to action after nearly 700 days without a game, the Wesleyan field hockey team wasted no time getting back into the mix as the Cardinals dominated Western Nova England in the tone of a 6-1 win Wednesday night against Smith Champ. Wesleyan’s six goals are the most important for the Cardinals in a single game since a 6-0 win over Eastern Conn. State in 2018. It is also the Cardinals’ fourth straight win in a season opener.

There was little doubt about this result as Wesleyan took advantage of a few early corners and played very well defensively and in midfield to limit the Golden Bears’ chances throughout. Olivia baglieri ’22 recorded the first multi-goal game of his career scoring or assisting on Wesleyan’s first three goals, finishing with a career-high five points (two goals, one assist). Ava galdenzi ’24 and Colleen Carrigan ’22 each had two assists while Lea Aiguières ’23, Hannah curtis ’23, Melanie Lim ’24 and Addie Defeo ’24 all scored their first career goals in victory.

Olivia Baglieri celebrates a goal with her team
Olivia Baglieri ’22 celebrates her second goal of the night

STRONG POINTS:

  • Wesleyan set the tone early, limiting western New England to a single first-half shot attempt (0 in the first quarter)
  • On the attacking side, an early corner resulted in the game’s opening goal as Baglieri received a feel from Galdenzi on the right and shot in a shot that entered the near post for the count at just 6:28 into the game.
  • Just over two minutes later, Wesleyan converted another penalty corner as Baglieri inserted this time to Carrigan at the top who landed a shot which was deflected by Baglieri past the goalkeeper as Wesleyan led 2- 0 early.
  • Cardinal’s third half-time goal was scored by another corner as the ball deflected towards Baglieri who centered on Ewers and the junior was there to score her second career goal to bring the score to 3 -0 of the Cardinals before the half-time break.
  • Coming out of half time, the Golden Bears responded with their first real offensive chances of the game as their second second-half penalty corner led to a Taylor Klesyk goal as the deficit narrowed to 3 -1.
  • Seeking to head towards the fourth with momentum, Wesleyan burst from his defensive end as Diana schwarz reach to the Western Circle of New England where she sent a cross pass to Lim who was there for the finish as a key Cardinal goal reduced the lead to three with just 10 seconds left in the stanza
  • Yet another Wesleyan goal came in the 50e minute as Carrigan came from the right wing and spotted Defeo open in front of the cage. Carrigan’s pass found Defeo’s stick that beat a struggling Golden Bear defense to bring the score to 5-1
  • With a final corner, Wesleyan scored his fourth goal from a corner before time ran out as Ava galdenzi inserted then pushed a pass from Lim that came just inside the circle to Curtis at the far post. The finish was good as Curtis had little time to react to Galdenzi’s nudge.

IN THE FIGURES:

  • Wesleyan controlled the action throughout, possessing a 13-6 advantage for the game, including a 10-5 advantage in shots on target.
  • Wesleyan favored penalty corners 10-2
  • Nineteen Cardinals saw the field in victory
  • Caitlin grant ’22 made some key saves in the cage as she finished with four for the game, only one of her career high, while recording her second career victory

FOLLOWING:

Wesleyan faces a tall order as the Cardinals head to the road for a Saturday afternoon showdown against the three-time defending national champion and No.1 ranked Middlebury.

Catherine J. Martinez