John Carroll University Athletics

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – It was a day to celebrate the 2026 Field Hockey seniors, the girls who helped to build the inaugural program from the ground up.

The Streaks took on a huge conference game this afternoon as they faced the Kenyon Owls, with playoff standing on the line. 

John Carroll was 4-4 in the NCAC heading into this game. The Owls were 5-3. Carroll is currently tied for seventh place in the NCAC Field Hockey standings. A win this afternoon would place Carroll in the running for NCAC post-season play.

The game started even-matched, with neither team scoring in the first quarter. Kenyon definitely had the offensive upper hand, tallying 8 shots and 4 penalty corners. 

The second quarter began with back-and-forth fouls. The Streaks began to take offensive control of the ball. Kierra Maxie capitalized with a rocket shot that sailed past Kenyon's defense into the back of the cage at 18:47. The Streaks took the 1-0 lead on the Owls. 

The remainder of the half was foul-heavy, with the Streaks hanging on to the lead going into halftime.

As the third quarter began, both teams were hungry for a goal. A penalty corner for Kenyon gave way to a goal for the Owls at 32:58, making it a 1-1 even match. The remainder of the quarter was pretty evenly played, with not much action to be noted.

The fourth quarter became a "win or go home" scenario, as the Owls and the Streaks fought for the lead. John Carroll had offensive possession for the most part, with 3 shots on cage to Kenyon's 1. 

You could see the grit and hustle from both teams, as it turned out to be a very aggressive game, with both sides eager to get the win.

As time began to wind down, neither team was able to find the back of the cage, sending the game into overtime.

The last time the Streaks entered overtime was during their inaugural home opener on Schweickert Field, where they got the 1-0 win over Centre College in shootouts. They were hoping to do that again today.

Kenyon took control, having possession for the majority of overtime number one. They took eight shots, seven being on cage. Thankfully, the John Carroll defense stood strong. 

As the 10 minutes came to a close, it appeared a second overtime would occur.

This game was beginning to look very similar to their first home game.

The Streaks were hopeful. Their hustle and determination on the field were evident.

It was a back-and-forth possession in the first five minutes; it even looked like the game may enter penalty shootouts.

However, an unfortunate foul on John Carroll in their defensive zone led to the Owls possessing the ball. A hard shot from Kenyon slipped past John Carroll's defense and found the back of the net, just 5 minutes into overtime number two. 

The Owls took the 2-1 overtime victory. It was a heartbreaking way to end the game, but the Streaks had a lot to be proud of. 

John Carroll played with a type of determination and passion that could be seen throughout the game. It was evident how much this team has grown from their first home game to their last. 

Ellison Hilgendorf had a standout day in goal with 17 saves on the day. 

Next Up

The Streaks' final game of the season is on Saturday, October 31st, as they travel to Oberlin College and take on the Yeowomen at 11 AM.