The Saint Mary’s College soccer team remained unbeaten Wednesday night, defeating Earlham College 3-0 at Patricia Wiedner Purcell Athletic Fields. The win improved the Belles to 7-0-2 while dropping the Quakers to 1-7-0.
Saint Mary’s has had a strong start to the season, including 5-0 and 5-1 victories over Bluffton and North Central (Minn.), respectively, and draws against Anderson (1-1) and Wheaton (0-0). Wednesday’s result added another shutout to the team’s record, highlighting both its offensive depth and defensive strength.
Freshman forward Mia Johnson scored all three goals against Earlham. She opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a finish from junior forward Eleah Hedstrom’s pass. The 1-0 lead held through halftime.
Johnson struck again early in the second half, scoring unassisted in the 48th minute and completing her hat trick three minutes later on a feed from freshman midfielder Marley Cady. Earlham could not respond, and Saint Mary’s maintained control throughout the match.
The Belles had 16 total shots, and 10 on goal. Johnson led the attack with six shots, with four on goal. Freshman forward Bella Musachio added three shots, all on target, while sophomore defenders Danielle Escobedo and Kayla O’Neal contributed two each.
In goal, freshman Meghan Krayer earned her fourth shutout of the season, stopping all seven shots on goal. She was especially sharp in the second half when Earlham generated nine shots and outnumbered Saint Mary’s 5-1 on corner kicks.
Earlham’s Diane Scalise and Mallory Smith combined for seven shots, four on goal. Quaker goalkeeper Liz Godfrey recorded seven saves on 10 shots faced.
Saint Mary’s has outscored opponents 17-5 through nine matches, one of the strongest starts in recent program history. The Belles return to action Sept. 30 at Kalamazoo with a 5:30 p.m. kickoff, then host Calvin on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.