The Wesleyan field hockey team continued to struggle this week, losing Tuesday to Wheaton College for its fourth consecutive defeat. The 1-0 game was also the fourth time this season the Cardinals lost by such a narrow margin, adding to the squad’s frustrations. Though the majority of the game was played in the midfield, at neutral territory, Wheaton was able to score only one minute and 20 seconds into the match. That goal proved to be the game winner and sealed Wesleyan’s third consecutive shutout.
The women continue to have trouble with offense, having scored only five goals in seven games this season, while allowing an average of 3.00 goals against per game. The women simply are not putting enough pressure on their opponents, having recorded only 61 shots while giving up 134. One area in which Wesleyan tops its competition is shots on goal, having gotten 41 of its shots this season on net. While this aspect of the Cards’ game has positive implications, it has proven difficult for Wesleyan to maintain an offensive drive. The key for the women is getting into the offensive zone and staying aggressive.
So far, the young group has gained valuable and necessary experience, but now is the time to overcome adversity and display the team’s full potential. This marks the midpoint of the season and the Cards still have ample time to turn around its fortunes.
Currently, the team has a 1-6 record, with its only win coming against Salve Regina in mid-September. Wesleyan sits at the bottom of the NESCAC standings after having faced the top four teams: Bowdoin, Tufts, Middlebury, and Trinity. The Cards travel up to Maine this Saturday to face off against Colby, who is also near the bottom of the NESCAC pack. The next home game is against Amherst during Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 18th.
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