With one regular-season game remaining, the No. 20-ranked Ashland University women's soccer team is right where it wants to be.
 
On Saturday (Oct. 24) at Ferguson Field, the Eagles used a late goal to earn a 2-1 Senior Day decision over Thomas More. Those three points keep Ashland atop the Great Midwest Athletic Conference table, one point ahead of second-place Cedarville – AU's opponent at home at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (Oct. 27).
 
"I thought they did a really good job," said Ashland head coach Cayleb Paulino. "Two players stepped up in big moments for us. I thought we managed the game really well towards the end. Super-proud of the group to get a result.
 
"Two opponents that know each other really well (on Tuesday). We've got a lot of respect for those guys. We're excited for the opportunity on Tuesday."
 
The Eagles are 13-2-2 overall and 11-1-1 in the Great Midwest, while the Saints are 10-2-5, 8-2-3.
 
For the third game in a row, junior midfielder Sofia Divine potted a goal. In the 12^th minute, her fifth goal of the season, unassisted, gave the Eagles an early lead.
 
"She's growing in confidence," Paulino said. "She's always a threat offensively for us."
 
The Saints, however, leveled the score in the 22^nd minute when Josie Gruber scored her own unassisted tally. It was the first time in six all-time meetings Ashland conceded a goal to Thomas More.
 
But then, in the 71^st minute, freshman midfielder Maria Mayer scored her fourth goal in her seventh collegiate game to put Ashland back on top. The assist went to senior defender Kellyn Fausel, her first helper of the season.
 
"It was unfortunate that we haven't had her all year, but now you kind of see the quality that she brings," Paulino said.
 
Ashland's shots advantage on Saturday was 21-4, and the Eagles took 10 of the contest's 11 corner kicks.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Izzy Ezzone made one save in the victory.