WOOSTER, Ohio – The College of Wooster field hockey team kicked off North Coast Athletic Conference play in style with a 1-0 shutout over rival Wittenberg University on Tuesday evening at John P. Papp Stadium.

Senior Katie Agatucci scored again, upping her team lead in goals to six in the process. The forward finished a cross to the middle from senior Caitlyn O'Connor 9:02 into the first period.

Wooster (5-3, 1-0 NCAC), which posted its first clean sheet of the year, had a co-career-high eight saves from junior Zoë Semersky. The biochemistry and molecular biology major's biggest one came at point-blank range with just over two minutes remaining. A loose ball was near Katie Weber, and the Tigers' (6-5, 0-1 NCAC) third-leading scorer fired a shot from right in front of the cage, only to be turned away by Semersky. Earlier in the fourth period, Semersky ranged out from the cage to knock away a lengthy lead pass, and thwarted what was shaping into a 1-on-1 breakaway chance for the Tigers.

Later in the fourth, Syd Schuster had a 1-on-1 chance, as the senior flashed the footwork and stick skills to break through Wittenberg's defense. Emma Hurguy was up to the task with save 12 on the night.

Wooster dominated the offensive chances, doubling up Wittenberg 18-9 on shots and 4-2 on penalty corners. The Scots really took charge in the second half with a 10-2 edge on shots. The Tigers best stretch was the second period, as five of Wittenberg's shots came then.

Next, defending conference champion Denison University (3-5, 0-0 NCAC) visits for a 4:30 p.m. contest on Thursday, October 7.