The Ashland University women's soccer team lit up the scoreboard for five goals as the Eagles won in a smashing effort, 5-0, at host Northern Michigan on Sunday (Oct. 27) afternoon in Marquette.
It was the ninth straight win for the Eagles (12-1-1, 6-0 GLIAC), who are ranked No. 14 in the United Soccer Coaches national poll. It is the longest winning streak for the Eagles since they started the 2015 season with nine straight victories.
Ashland is also unbeaten in its last 11 games, heading into next Friday's (Nov. 1) game at Ferguson Field against No. 3 Grand Valley State.
The Eagles, who outscored Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan by a 9-1 score on this road trip, got on the board in the 18th minute on a goal by junior Nadya Boualany. It was her first goal of the season, assisted by senior Deijah Swihart and sophomore Faith Lewis.
AU out-shot Northern Michigan, 10-2, in the first half and dominated play, but still had just a 1-0 lead at the break.
The Eagles quickly doubled their lead after halftime as sophomore Bella Petrock struck for her third goal of the season.
In the 53rd minute, Swihart made it 3-0 with assists coming from Petrock and junior Hillary Mihalik. It was Swihart's team-leading eighth goal of the season, while Petrock and Mihalik tallied their first assists.
Senior Emily Ledbetter scored the Eagles' fourth goal with the assist coming from senior Juliana Markovic. Ledbetter is third on the team with four goals and Markovic now has two assists.
Freshman Bailey Clark capped the scoring with her first collegiate goal in the 72nd minute.
Junior keepers Hannah Lee and Abby Lampe each made one save as they combined for the clean sheet.
The win sets up a showdown against the Lakers, whom the Eagles tied at Ferguson Field last season, 0-0. Kickoff on Friday is set for 7 p.m.
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