Bellarmine University’s field hockey team opened its season with a 2-0 defeat at Buckeye Varsity Field, where Ohio State seized early momentum and never looked back.
First Quarter: A Goal and a Save
At the 10:01 mark of the opening quarter, Sienna Golden slipped a shot past Bellarmine’s netminder Megan Clauser, putting the Buckeyes on the board. Clauser, however, answered with five saves in that period, keeping the Knights within striking distance.
Second Quarter: Ohio State Extends Lead
The second quarter brought a swift response from Ohio State. Emily Barker found the net at 17:10, assisted by Katie Crump, extending the lead to 2-0. The goal shifted the tempo, forcing Bellarmine to chase the game.
Third Quarter: Knights Press Forward
Bellarmine rallied in the third quarter, earning five penalty corners and launching seven shots on goal. Cami Paris, Luna Tuncay and Amy Stripling each tested the Ohio State cage, while Annie Malloy delivered a crucial save with just over four minutes remaining, preserving the Knights’ hopes of a comeback.
Despite the onslaught, Ohio State’s defense held firm, finishing with 22 shots and seven penalty corners compared to Bellarmine’s nine attempts, four of which were on target. Megan Clauser finished with a total of five saves, but the Buckeyes’ lead proved insurmountable.
The loss drops Bellarmine to 0-2 on the season, and the team will travel next week to face Stanford and UC Davis, hoping to rewrite the early narrative of their campaign.