The Batten University field hockey team (1-2) earned its first victory of the 2026 season Sunday afternoon, shutting out Hood College, 2-0. The win carried an added connection for the Marlins, as Batten Head Coach
Baylor Baxley earned the victory against her alma mater and a program where she previously coached.
The Marlins offense was led by
Meridan Leischner, who scored the game-winning goal at the start of the third quarter.
Kellyn McCloud added another goal five minutes later to secure the Marlins win, a goal that was assisted by Sophomore
Lauren Kite.
Goalkeeper
Berkley Miller delivered a standout performance in the cage to preserve the shutout. Miller played all 60 minutes and recorded seven saves, including six in a busy third quarter. Hood generated 11 shots and 10 penalty corners in the contest, but Miller and the Batten defense kept the Blazers off the scoreboard.
After a scoreless opening half, the Marlins broke through early in the third quarter. Batten earned a penalty corner in the 33rd minute, leading to consecutive shots from Katherine Druiett and Landry Meyer that were both saved. First-year Meridan Leischner stayed with the play and found the back of the cage at the 32:53 mark, scoring the first goal of her collegiate career and what proved to be the game-winner.
Batten added to its advantage less than five minutes later. Lauren Kite set up Kellyn McCloud for the Marlins' second goal at 37:45, extending the lead to 2-0. McCloud's goal gave Batten some breathing room as Hood continued to generate pressure throughout the third quarter.
The Marlins were efficient offensively, putting all four of their shots on goal and converting two of them. Leischner and McCloud accounted for the goals, while Kite registered the lone assist. Druiett and Meyer each added a shot on goal.
With the 2-0 victory, Batten secured its first win of the 2026 campaign and its first shutout of the season.
