ASHLAND, Ohio – The Clarion women's soccer team played its first non-conference game of the season on Sunday, falling in a tough 4-0 result to 23rd-ranked Ashland on a cool, cloudy day in Ohio.  The Golden Eagles (1-3-1) will face Mercyhurst on Tuesday before returning home to host Millersville on Saturday.
 
Ashland played a strong home game in limiting Clarion's opportunities, as the Golden Eagles attacked but were unable to break through.  Marina Kelly was the top threat for Clarion, recording a pair of shots on net against the hosting Eagles.  Krista Mosi got the start in net and made nine saves, while Brigid Stermel came in during the second half and made six stops.

"Our team showed great character and battled strongly to the final whistle against a nationally-ranked opponent," head coach Sean Esterhuizen said.  "Our freshmen in particular went into the game with great confidence and played well.  Unfortunately, coming off our long game against California on Saturday, we simply lacked the sharpness to deal with Ashland's pace today."
 
Clarion had a pair of corner kick opportunities but could not convert them into goals.  Kelly took a corner kick in the 55th minute and Elle Stine added one in the 85th, but neither led to a chance on net.