DANVILLE, Ky. — Centre returned home for the weekend, opening the slate with a matchup against the Kenyon Owls. The Colonels held on to secure the victory over Kenyon.
The Colonels came out aggressively in the opening period, applying offensive pressure and earning a stream of penalty corners. Centre's pressure paid off when Abbie Woolley broke through with the opening goal, putting the Colonels on the board early.
Centre continued to pressure the Kenyon defense, producing multiple shots on goal before Woolley found the back of the net for a second time to extend the lead to 2-0. Kenyon quickly responded, however, finding the back of the net to cut the deficit to one and close out the opening quarter with Centre leading 2-1.
Centre carried its offensive pressure into the second quarter, continuing to challenge the Kenyon defense. The Colonels created an early opportunity with a penalty corner before Taylor Fuqua fired a shot just wide.
Rylee Carothers was able to extended the lead when she found the back of the net off an assist from Abbie Woolley, putting the Colonels ahead 3-1.
Kenyon answered back midway through the quarter, as Maren Lawrence scored to cut the Centre lead to 3-2. The Owls continued to apply pressure, but Centre goalkeeper Addie Sheridan came up with a save to keep the Colonels in front.
Centre earned a late penalty stroke, but Hannah Miller's attempt was saved by Kenyon goalkeeper Sofia Chaves, sending the Colonels into halftime with a 3-2 advantage.
The Colonels continued to apply pressure coming out of halftime, earning three penalty corners early in the third quarter. Centre's best opportunity came off the third corner, but Taylor Fuqua's shot was blocked by the Kenyon defense.
Kenyon responded with pressure of its own, earning a pair of penalty corners and testing Centre goalkeeper as Sheridan came up with back-to-back saves on shots from Ada Wigfield and Ella Adamec to keep the Colonels in front.
Kenyon continued to search for the equalizer late in the quarter, but another attempt from Maren Lawrence sailed wide as Centre carried its 3-2 advantage into the final quarter.
The Owls continued to push for the tie. as Sheridan turned away back-to-back shots from Johnson and Maher to preserve the Colonels' advantage.
Kenyon continued to generate opportunities, earning penalty corners and forcing the Centre defense to remain composed. Johnson had another attempt blocked before Kenyon earned a pair of penalty corners late in the quarter.
Despite the sustained pressure from the Owls, Centre's defense held firm to protect the lead and secure the 3-2 victory over Kenyon.
The Colonels are back at it as they face Ohio Wesleyan at 1:30 pm on 09/20.
