NORFOLK, Va. - The Shenandoah University field hockey team opened its 2014 ODAC slate Saturday with a 1-0 victory at Virginia Wesleyan.

Playing at Norfolk Academy due to extensive rainstorms in the Hampton Roads region, Shenandoah (5-4, 1-0 ODAC) won its third straight match with the one-goal victory over VWC (2-7, 0-1).

Junior Presha Merritt scored the game's only goal, tallying unassisted in the 61st minute.

The Hornets defense was outstanding, holding the Marlins to just one shot on the afternoon. SU keeper Jenna Rampale made the save on that lone shot to post her third shutout of the season.

Shenandoah took six shots of its own while Virginia Wesleyan had an 11-2 advantage in penalty corners.

The Hornets continue this road trip on Wednesday with a 4 p.m. game at Randolph-Macon.

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