SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – With a 1-0 victory against Charleston, the Notre Dame College women's soccer team won its fourth game in a row, including three straight shutout wins.
 
With their recent tear through the MEC, the Falcons have jumped up to second place in the MEC North, just two points behind Fairmont State. NDC was in fourth less than two weeks ago, but has now improved its record to 6-3-4 (5-2-3 MEC).
 
Two of Notre Dame's forwards made a great play to get the win at home on Sunday as Kazarie Kephart took the ball into the box to attempt a close shot. Charleston's goalie knocked the ball off its trajectory, but it kept rolling towards the net. Alyssa Soltis then out ran UC to the ball to hit in the open goal.
 
"I saw the defender and knew I had to beat her to the ball," Soltis said. "I knew I had to capitalize on the chance against a team like this. When you're in that situation it feels like it's your time to shine and you have to finish on those opportunities."
 
Both Soltis and head coach Mike Shiels gave credit to Charleston for being a tough opponent.
 
"I think today was a different kind of test," Shiels said. "In the past we have done really well pressing teams, but [Charleston] is a difficult team to press. It was good we got the one goal, and would have loved to get a second, but our team played well."
 
Despite the trouble pressing the Golden Eagles (6-6-1, 4-4-1 MEC), Notre Dame was able to get off 14 shots, including six on goal. The Falcons had to fight for each of their shot attempts through physical play that began from the start.
 
"I think it's a mindset thing," Shiels said of the contest's physical nature. "It's a difference of playing on your heels and playing with more momentum going forward. When the game is tough and aggressive it changes the feel of things. I think it affects our team's mentality in a good way."
 
Notre Dame will look to keep things rolling as it gets back into North Division play next week. The Falcons will be firing on all cylinders in their first ever trip to Frostburg State on Saturday, October 20.
 
"The way we have been playing lately feels like we're finally playing together as a team," Soltis said. "This is our time, and we're turning our season around to play well into the postseason. The momentum we have now is huge. It gives us a lot of confidence going forward now that we know we can score and get the job done."