Senior Amanda Naeher scored three goals as the top-ranked Messiah Falcon defeated the Denison University women's soccer team 4-0 on Saturday afternoon in Granville, Ohio.

The Big Red had an early opportunity to score the game's first goal when senior Jen Clemmer (Hixson, Tenn./Baylor School) sent a cross that was headed toward the net by classmate Maggie Hoskin (Chicago, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor) in the 19th minute.  However, Hoskin's shot was corralled by Messiah keeper Autumn Reilly to keep the game scoreless.  On the ensuing possession, Naeher received a pass and dribbled down the right sideline toward the Big Red net.  From roughly 10 yards out, Naeher ripped a shot past a diving Andrea Karl (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty) and into the lower left corner at 18:58.

Denison had an opportunity to tie the match in the 34th minute when Clemmer sent a near side pass to senior Kimmi Oshita (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore).  Oshita tried to squeak her shot inside the right post, but her attempt went just wide of the net.

At the break, both teams had attempted nine shots and two corner kicks.  In the second half, the Falcons added to their lead with a goal by Joanna Haqq in the 55th minute, and two Naeher tallies in the 63rd and 87th minutes.

Oshita and Tory Danis (Dayton, Ohio/Oakwood) led the Denison offense with three shots each, while Karl finished the day with six saves.

Denison falls to 5-3-2 on the year, while Messiah improves to 8-0.  The Big Red return to action on Wednesday (Sept. 29) when they welcome the Ohio Northern Polar Bears to Granville.  Game time from Barclay-Thomsen Field is scheduled for 7 p.m.