Ashland University’s women’s soccer team finished their weekend with a tough two wins in the Upper Peninsula over the weekend.

This 11-hour trip can make it difficult for teams when they are expected to perform successfully on the field the very next day.

“It is a really long trip,” said head coach Dan Krispinsky. “Fortunately, we were able to get there Thursday evening and have a kick around on their site which was good for us to see the field and get some touches on the ball before the game Friday.”

The Eagles first traveled to Michigan Tech, where they took the victory in their GLIAC opener 1-0.

It was not until the 84th minute of the game when sophomore forward Morgan Bittengle came up the middle and overhead of the goalkeeper to score the Eagles first and only goal.

“Defense is the key,” said Krispinsky. “I felt that as a team, we are very committed defensively, and even though we may have been outplayed at different points in the game, we did not let a goal (against Tech) and it allowed us to take advantage and later score at the end of the game.”

This winning goal was Bittengle’s fourth of the 2015 season. The assist came from freshman forward Deijah Swihart, who tallied her first collegiate assist.

Sophomore goalie Courtney Barker made ten saves, shutting out the Huskies, for her own collegiate first.

“Courtney did a great job for us this weekend,” said Krispinsky. “She made some saves that were key for us to stay in the game and get the win at the end.”

Despite Ashland’s winning score, Michigan Tech outshot Ashland by a significant 21-4.

Game two was another big win for the Eagles as they defeated Northern Michigan 2-1 in overtime.

The roles were reversed in this game as Swihart scored the game-winning goal after being assisted by Bittengle. 

This was Swihart’s third goal and Bittingle’s second assist of the 2015 season.

“They both are really learning how to play with each other and in our system,” said Krispinsky. “I can’t ask for anything more from them right now and the good thing is that they are young and still going to improve.”

The Eagles took a 1-0 lead early in the first half on an unassisted goal by sophomore midfielder Kelsey McKernan. 

This is her second goal of the season. The Wildcats quickly tied the game almost immediately following McKernan’s goal, leaving the goals untouched until Swiharts goal in overtime. 

The Eagles are now 5-0 for the season and 2-0 in the GLIAC.

“With the excitement that we have, we know next week is going to be a challenge,” said Krispinsky. “We are undefeated, and everyone is going to put a target on our back. When you win games, you are going to have to play teams who are looking forward to playing you.”

The team is going to embrace these challenges in their opening conference weekend as they will prepare for their next matchup against Northwood on Sept. 25 at 7p.m. and Saginaw Valley State on Sept. 27 at noon.