WILMINGTON – Now this is the way to start Ohio Athletic Conference action.

The Wilmington College women's soccer team found the back of the net early and often Saturday at Charlie Gilhart Field, beating Muskingum 8-0.

"We talked about coming ready to play," said WC head coach Steve Spirk. "Today we just didn't take a lot of shots, we took good shots. I think we have good balance. We can attack on the left and attack on the right, but we do attack on the left a lot."

Wilmington unleashed 26 shots, 19 of which were on goal. While the Fightin' Quakers were opening up a barrage of shots on the Muskingum goal, they were not allowing many scoring opportunities for their opponents. The visitors didn't manage a single shot in the first half, and finished the game with four shots – three of which were on goal.

Part of the defensive credit will go to freshman defender Ashley Stockton (Waynesville, OH/Waynesville) as she thwarted several Muskie runs in the back third. Stockton has been pressed into increased action with the injury to Sammy Miller.

"We knew she could play, she just needed the opportunity," said Spirk. "We played a huge level of club, she understands the position and reads the game well."

In the game's 16th minute, junior Jenni Marck (Wyoming, OH/Wyoming) gave Wilmington the lead off a senior Rachel Gutowski (Petoskey, MI/Petoskey) free kick. In the first of four different Quakers to find the back of the net for the first time this season, junior Paij Shelton (Hillsboro, OH/Hillsboro) scored in the 22nd minute with the assist going to freshman Lauren Lewis (Wilmington, OH/Wilmington).

Sophomore Camille Gentille (Brownsburg, IN/Brownsburg) in the 36th minute, freshman Erika Good (Miamisburg, OH/Miamisburg) in the 64th minute and freshman Taylor Miller (Enon, OH/Greenon) in the 89th minute all scored their first goals of the season. Gentille scored a second goal in the 53rd minute for Wilmington.

Senior Sarah Watters (Cincinnati, OH/Turpin) scored her team-high fifth goal of the season, while freshman Rachelle Bowen (Xenia, OH/Xenia) added her second goal of the season.

Wilmington (8-2-1 overall, 1-0 OAC) travels to Tiffin 7 p.m. Wednesday to play Heidelberg in OAC action.