Box Score LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two goals in the first half was all the Earlham College women's soccer team would need on Wednesday to defeat nationally-ranked Transylvania University 2-0.

"We capitalized on our opportunities in the first half and came out attacking," Earlham Head Coach Jocelyn Keller said. "Our midfield was able to maintain control and set the pace of the game early, while our back line had the victory in the second half. "

With their fifth straight win, the Quakers are now 7-4-1 overall and 4-0 in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. They are tied for first in the conference with Hanover College (10-1-1, 4-0), which won 4-0 over the College of Mount St. Joseph on Wednesday.

Ranked No. 12 in the country in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll, the Pioneers are now 10-2, 3-1. Transylvania was also the top team in the Great Lakes Region, while the Quakers had received votes in the rankings.

Earlham's victory also sets up a showdown with Hanover on Saturday as the Quakers entertain the Panthers in a contest for sole possession of first place in the HCAC. The match on Matlack Field starts at 3 p.m.

Thomas Gives EC Lead

On Wednesday, Paige Thomas (Bel Air, MD, Baltimore Friends School) scored the first goal for the Quakers at 24:13. It was the third score of the season for Thomas.

"Paige Thomas was able to get forward and played an essential role in our success," Keller said.

Later in the period, Ryder Comstock (Yellow Springs, OH, Yellow Springs) gave Earlham its two-goal advantage with her fifth score of the season at 33:50 with an assist from Ikumi Doucette (Berwyn Heights, MD, Eleanor Roosevelt).

Shutout for Franks

Earlham goalkeeper Kate Franks (Hopewell, OH, West Muskingum ) had eight saves as she recorded her fifth shutout of the season and sixth of her career.

"Transy put the pressure on, particularly in the second half, and Kate Franks had a spectacular game," Keller said.

Box Score