ADA – In possibly the biggest game of the season, sophomore Rachelle Bowen scored early to help lift the Wilmington women's soccer team to the 2-0 victory Tuesday over Ohio Northern at Kerscher Stadium in Ohio Athletic Conference action. 

It was the first time since 2004 that Wilmington defeated the Polar Bears.

Bowen (Xenia, OH/Xenia) attacked the Polar Bears early, dribbling down the left side and beating the keeper just 1:22 into the match.

With seven teams either 5-2 or 4-3 to start the day, and only six spots for the postseason tournament, WC found themselves in a tenious position. Wilmington was tied at 4-3 with two other teams, both of which beat the Fightin' Quakers, the women were in danger of being the odd team out.

Wilmington took advantage of a Polar Bears miscue in the 26th minute. Sophomore Brooke Lamb (Waynesville, OH/Clinton-Massie) sent a corner kick into the box that an Ohio Northern player hit into the back of the net for an own goal.

Ohio Northern mounted a comeback attempt, hitting the crossbar in the 78th minute. Freshman Grace Hignite (Clayton, OH/Northmont) made the second of her two saves in the 84th minute to keep the Polar Bears off the bar.

Wilmington (11-6-1 overall, 5-3 OAC) travels to John Carroll (9-6-3 overall, 6-2 OAC) 6 p.m. in the regular season finale.