An eighth consecutive shutout resulted in another win for the No. 6-ranked Ashland University women's soccer team, as the Eagles topped Malone, 3-0, on the road on Thursday (Oct. 1).
 
In extending its defensive scoreless streak to 759 minutes, Ashland improves to 8-1-2 overall and a Great Midwest Athletic Conference-best 6-0-1. The last time the Eagles turned in eight straight clean sheets was Oct. 25-Nov. 18, 2023.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Izzy Ezzone extended her personal scoreless streak to 676 minutes after playing the first 77 on Thursday.
 
The Eagles scored twice in the game's first 10 minutes. Sophomore forward Tessa Blain's team-leading sixth goal of the fall put AU up 1-0 in the seventh minutes, on assists from junior midfielder Sofia Divine (third of season) and sophomore midfielder Karleigh Cress (first of season).
 
In the 10^th minute, senior midfielder Haley Hightower's third goal of the campaign made it a 2-0 contest. Sophomore forward Cece Craig picked up her team-high fourth assist.
 
Then, in the 70^th minute, junior midfielder Aubrey Steiner's first collegiate goal made it a 3-0 game. The assist went to freshman midfielder Maria Mayer, the first of her AU career.
 
The Eagles out-shot the Pioneers, 14-3. The NCAA Division II leader in corner kicks per game (8.6) coming in, AU had 10 to Malone's two on Thursday.
 
Malone is 3-5-2, 2-4-1. Ashland has won the last eight meetings with the Pioneers.
 
Thursday's victory moves AU's all-time Great Midwest regular-season record to 62-1-14 (.896).
 
The Eagles will return to Ferguson Field for another Great Midwest game vs. Findlay (6-2-2, 3-1-2) at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 3). This will be AU's breast cancer awareness game.