NEW CONCORD, Ohio – The Capital University women's soccer team defeated Muskingum, 4-2, on the road Wednesday night, improving to 6-2 in the Ohio Athletic Conference standings.

"We're obviously very pleased to go on the road and get another OAC win," said head coach Chris Kouns. "I was extremely pleased with the fact that, playing on a tiny field, we were able to maintain possession, move the ball well, and attack."

Senior Livvy Hein initiated the scoring for the Crusaders in the 24^th minute, as she was set up by freshman Becca Cartmill following a slotted pass which was struck into the top right side of the net.

However, just three minutes later, the Muskies responded with a goal of their own, netting a shot from 23 yards out to the far lower post, evening the score at 1-1.

Just short of the first half whistle, the Crusaders managed to put their foot on the gas, scoring twice within a span 20 seconds.

The Crusaders second goal of the match came in the 44^th minute, following a shared assist from Hein and Cartmill, to which sophomore Ashley Schmittle capitalized on a shot, taking back Capital's lead, 2-1.

Then, just 20 seconds later, the Crusaders added to their lead, as Schmittle was on the assisting end of sophomore Allison Mervau's goal, extending the Crusaders lead to 3-1 heading into halftime.

As the second half of play unfolded, a scoreless first 26 minutes of action in the second frame before the Crusaders leading scorer, senior Hilary Ells, added to the team's lead, scoring in the box to the far post off an assist from Cartmill.

Muskingum managed to tally a late goal in the 90^th minute, just before the end of regulation whistle, but to no avail, as Capital defeated the Muskies, 4-2.

In total, the Crusaders unloaded 11 of their 20 shots on goal, as opposed to the Muskies seven of 13 mark.

Leading the way for the Crusaders was Cartmill, recording three assists in the match and extending her OAC assists lead to three, with nine total, while Schmittle recorded her first goal and assist of the season.

"Obviously, Becca (Cartmill) was a huge asset, extending her assist lead in the OAC," Kouns said. "Also, Allison (Mervau) was key in helping keep our position as well."

For Hein, it was her first goal of the season as well, while also tallying her third assist on the year.

"Livvy (Hein) was an absolute spark in the first half," Kouns said. "Her goal was very well deserved."

Ells and Mervau scored their 13^th and second goals of the year, respectively.

"We did have a couple lapses in concentration on the two goals," Kouns said. "But, I'm okay with that in this game considering it turned into pluses with the win."

With the victory, the Crusaders remain tied with John Carroll and Otterbein atop the OAC standings with one game remaining for each team.

Capital (13-4-1, 6-2 OAC), will host Otterbein on Nov. 2 in the team's final home game of the regular season.

"We're extremely excited for Saturday, not only is it a rivalry game, but it is for the OAC championship," Kouns said. "It is definitely something the players are looking forward to and we are looking to put our best foot forward."

First kick is slated for 4 p.m. at Bernlohr Stadium.