Audrey Richardson

Contributing Writer

On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Fighting Scots field hockey team put up a valiant effort in their senior day game against Ohio Wesleyan University, ultimately falling in overtime, 1-0.

Despite the negative result, it was a game worth celebrating — it demonstrated the team’s resilience and spirit. Going into the game, Ohio Wesleyan’s field hockey team was ranked No. 1 in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC), whereas Wooster was ranked No. 9. What seemed like a given win to Ohio Wesleyan did not come easily to them. Wooster field hockey put their hearts into the game and left everything out on the field for their senior day.

All eyes were on Wooster’s lone senior and captain Ashley Reynolds ’25 on her special day. The game started with Wooster senior day traditions, honoring Reynolds with her family on the field and the bagpiper and drummer playing her in. 

“I am extremely proud of our team and the effort that we put forth and how we played out to the very end, taking the number one team in the conference to overtime, which was very unexpected,” Reynolds said. “We worked together as a team and it felt like a win in our hearts.” The game was also particularly special for Reynolds — her younger sister was playing for Ohio Wesleyan, adding an extra layer of emotion to the senior day celebration. 

“We got to play against each other on the field a few times, which was really fun,” Reynolds said. “It was my last game so it was really special that she got to be there and all of my family was there.”

Wooster’s defense stood strong throughout the game, working as a cohesive unit. Goalkeeper Cate Barkdoll ’26 recorded 20 saves during the game — a new career high. Barkdoll shared her motivation for the outstanding performance.

 “What was different for me in this game was that I wanted A-Rey [Ashley] to have something to look back on for her last game and be proud of,” Barkdoll said. “After the game, I told her father, ‘I did all of that for your daughter.’”

The energy on the field during the game was described by some spectators as palpable, a sentiment echoed by captain Natalie Katzenmeyer ’26: “The energy in the game was the best I’ve seen all season. You could tell everyone wanted to play for Ashley.” The Scots demonstrated this unity through their coordinated efforts and their relentless pursuit of the ball, which kept Ohio Wesleyan on their toes throughout the game. 

While the scoreboard may have ultimately favored Ohio Wesleyan, the Fighting Scots’ performance was nothing short of remarkable. Taking the top-ranked team in the conference into overtime showcased the team’s growth, determination and ability to rise to the occasion. Taking the match into overtime caused them to become co-champions of the field hockey NCAC conference alongside Denison, as opposed to being ranked above Denison. 

This senior day will undoubtedly be remembered for the heart and soul poured onto the field by every member of the Wooster field hockey team. It served as a fitting tribute to Reynolds’ career and a promising sign for the program’s future.

With this result, the Fighting Scots field hockey team wrapped up a competitive season and will continue their campaign next fall. Go Scots!