WOOSTER, Ohio – The College of Wooster field hockey team turned in a strong defensive performance, and the offense did its part as the Fighting Scots topped Ohio Wesleyan University 2-1 in a key North Coast Athletic Conference match on Wednesday afternoon at John P. Papp Stadium.

With the win, Wooster (7-9, 5-6 NCAC) secured Brenda Meese's 300th win as the Scots' head coach, and her 424th win overall.

Brenda Meese won her 300th game at Wooster's head coach this afternoon.

Wooster controlled the game in the early-going as the Scots nearly punched one in on a pair of chances that Ohio Wesleyan (5-10, 3-7 NCAC) turned away at the last second. After the second showThen, Wooster earned a penalty stroke, and sophomore Rose Taylor delivered her fourth goal in the last six games, putting the Scots up 1-0 just under five minutes into the contest.

Notable, the score marked Wooster's first in the first five minutes of a game this season.

Wooster doubled its advantage in the 47th minute when senior Kerry O'Connor connected on her team-leading ninth goal of the season, equaling her career high from three seasons ago. On that play, junior Lauren Abbott threaded the needle with the feed setting O'Connor up on the left side of the cage.

Prior to Wooster's second goal, Ohio Wesleyan had its first big offensive surge of the day, but Wooster's defense was up to the task with a pair of saves by sophomore 'keeper Lida LeVine, and a pair of blocked shots by the Scots' backs.

Ohio Wesleyan scored its goal in the 57th minute when Ashley Barno scored her 10th goal of the season. Wooster nearly thwarted that scoring chance as LeVine turned aside the initial Battling Bishop shot attempt, and a Wooster defender partially deflected Barno's rebound before it trickled into the cage.

LeVine, who finished the afternoon with seven saves made one final big one with just over three minutes remaining in the contest.

Of note, the Scots' defense did not allow a goal in the first half for the third time this season.

Wooster finished with an over 2-to-1 shot advantage (32-13) on the afternoon, but the stellar play of Ohio Wesleyan 'keeper Jackie Feliciano (13 saves) kept the Bishops in the game.

Wooster also finished with a 12-8 edge on penalty corners.

Wooster, in the midst of a three-game homestand, takes on Wittenberg University (7-7, 5-5 NCAC) at 1 p.m. on Saturday.