GAMBIER, Ohio -- Kenyon could not extend its unbeaten streak to five games and build upon their regular-season NCAC title in a postseason matchup against Denison University. The Owls were unable to capitalize on their home-field advantage in the semifinal round of the NCAC Tournament, falling 1-0 on Mavec Field against the Big Red.
Neither team gathered much traction through the first 45 minutes as both squads were looking to avoid mistakes and limit the opposition's opportunities. For the most part, Denison controlled possession and applied the pressure in the first frame. The Big Red outshot the Owls by a 6-1 margin, including a 3-0 edge in shots on goal. Kenyon managed to earn a corner kick while Denison got four looks from the corners.
Despite the Denison control, Kenyon's defense held firm and kept a clean slate through the first half. Leah Anderson, Kenyon's senior goalkeeper, secured three first-half saves and the Owls' defenders did enough to dissuade Denison.
The Big Red continued to be the aggressors early in the second frame. The visitors took the first three shots and tallied nine attempts through the first 16 minutes. Anderson saved the two on goal attempts, but it was two off-target attempts that posed the biggest threats.
On a run in the 58th minute, Denison's Amy Chiero beat Kenyon down the left side and broke into the box to earn a one-on-one look against Anderson. Anderson dove left while Chiero's shot went right, but the ball rolled wide as Denison missed a golden opportunity.
The Big Red missed another wide open look in the 61st minute. Anderson made a diving save on an initial attempt, but the rebound leaked out to Denison's Ellie Reiser, who was alone in front of the goal. She launched a shot, but the look had too much on it as the ball sailed high, over crossbar and out of play.
After another strong on-target look was saved, Denison would not be denied on an attack in the 73rd minute. The Big Red's Dulcie Heyes raced around the right side of the Owls defense as she attempted to find an opening. Heyes was cut off by Kenyon's Kit Ross and Claudia Abram, but the defensive pinch allowed Denison's Reiser to sneak through, collect a pass, and fire a ball across the goal into the bottom left corner of the net.
Even with the urgency to convert on offense, the Owls were unable to turn an attack into a shot for the remainder of the match. Kenyon kept attempting to spark some late-game magic, but Denison managed to keep the ball away from their goal and preserve the 1-0 lead through full time.
With the loss, the Owls finish the season with a 7-6-4 record. The .529 winning percentage is Kenyon's best since posting a .559 mark in 2018 after going 8-6-3 overall. Despite needing to replace seven departing seniors, including their every-game goalie in Anderson, the Owls' 2023 outlook is bright. Of the 15 Owls to record an offensive point this season, 14 are not set to graduate. Kenyon will look to build upon their strong 2022 campaign and regular-season NCAC title when they return to the pitch next year.
