VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia - The Virginia Wesleyan University field hockey team opened their season with a 2-0 win over the Panthers of Ferrum College on senior day for the Marlins. VWU improves to 1-0 on the season and 1-0 in ODAC competition while FC is 0-1 and 0-1. Seniors Julie Fassl, Mallory Langford, Jenna Whitener, and Hayden Thornbrugh were honored prior to the contest. 

INSIDE THE SCORE
Virginia Wesleyan got off three shots before getting on the scoreboard in the sixth minute (5:44) of action on a goal by Ryan Westpfahl off the pass by Jaiden Shaw. VWU added two more shots before the end of the quarter taking a 1-0 lead into the second quarter.

The Marlins got off six shots in the first 14 minutes of the second half before finding their second goal of the contest again from Westpfahl this time off an assisted pass from Julie Fassl. 

Ferrum came out in the second half of the game with some fire retaining possession of the ball more than they had the fire half while also getting two shots off in the third quarter and added three more in the fourth.

The Marlins also got a pair of shots off in the third quarter with both coming on frame, while VWU put seven more shots up in the fourth quarter to total 22 shots on the day.

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN LEADERS
The Marlins were led by Ryan Westpfahl with two goals in her four shots on goal. Julie Fassl and Jaiden Shaw each assisted on one of Westpfahl's goals to push VWU past the Panthers. Hayden Thornbrugh also added four shots as did Julie Fassl with both players putting three on frame. Maura Bridges (W: 1-0) played all 60 minutes in goal for the Marlins making three saves and shutting out the Panthers.

FERRUM LEADERS
The Panthers were led by Shanon Proa with three shots while Tatianna Roberts added two shots as the Panthers came up goalless. Mia Holmes (L: 0-1) played nearly 38 minutes of action giving up both goals while making nine saves. 

UP NEXT
The field hockey team is back in action on Friday, March 12, when they travel to Washington and Lee for a 7 PM ODAC contest in Lexington, VA.