Delaware, OH – The Denison University men’s lacrosse team suffered a 13-2 defeat against Ohio Wesleyan University on Saturday, March 21, 2026, marking their first conference loss of the season. The game, played at Selby Stadium, saw Ohio Wesleyan control possession and capitalize on scoring opportunities, ultimately overpowering the Big Red.
This contest was a key matchup in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) schedule, and the loss impacts Denison’s standing as they navigate a competitive season. While Denison fought hard, they were unable to overcome Ohio Wesleyan’s strong offensive performance and efficient clearing game. The Big Red will need to regroup and analyze areas for improvement as they prepare for their next challenge.
Game Statistics and Key Performances
Ohio Wesleyan demonstrated a significant advantage in clears, converting 17 of 19 attempts. Denison, while competitive, finished with 17 successful clears out of 19. Ground balls were also heavily favored by Ohio Wesleyan, with a final tally of 22 compared to Denison’s 17. The breakdown of ground balls per quarter showed Ohio Wesleyan consistently winning the battle for possession: 4 in the first, 6 in the second, 3 in the third, and 4 in the fourth. Denison recorded 9, 8, 10 ground balls in the first, second, and third quarters respectively.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The Battling Bishops established an early lead, scoring 2 goals in the first quarter while Denison remained scoreless. Ohio Wesleyan extended their advantage in the second quarter, adding 3 more goals to their total, bringing the score to 5-0. Denison managed to receive on the board with 3 goals in the second quarter. The third quarter saw Ohio Wesleyan further solidify their lead with 6 goals, while Denison added 2. The final quarter saw Ohio Wesleyan score 2 additional goals, closing out the game with a final score of 13-2.
The game highlighted Ohio Wesleyan’s ability to maintain possession and convert opportunities into goals. Denison struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm and were unable to match Ohio Wesleyan’s efficiency in the clearing game and ground ball battles.
Looking Ahead
The Denison men’s lacrosse team will now focus on analyzing this game and preparing for their upcoming contests. The team will need to address areas of weakness identified in the Ohio Wesleyan game, particularly in clearing, ground ball control, and offensive execution. The coaching staff will likely emphasize improving possession time and capitalizing on scoring chances in practice. The Big Red’s next confirmed game is yet to be announced, but the team remains committed to competing at a high level within the NCAC.
What adjustments do you suppose Denison needs to make to improve their performance in future games? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow Denison lacrosse fans.
