The Hope College women's soccer team clinched at least share of its fourth Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association title with a 1-0 win against Alma on Saturday.

The Flying Dutch (13-3-1 overall, 12-1-1 MIAA) used Nora Kirk's second-half goal at Van Andel Soccer Stadium to move nine points ahead of idle Kalamazoo in the league standings. Each league match is worth three points for a win and one point for a tie.

Photo of Elizabeth Perkins, left, by Monica Dwyer

Hope has two league matches remaining, while Kalamazoo (12-3-1, 9-3-1 MIAA) has three. The Flying Dutch are off until Saturday, Nov. 1, when they host Kalamazoo.

Senior goalie Kat Dickson of Grayslake, Illinois (Grayslake Central HS), helped the 2014 Hope team join those from 2005, 2004 and 2003 as MIAA champions.

Dickson make five saves against Alma (9-6-1, 7-5-1).

"It's a big achievement for us," Dickson said. "Every year we've got one step closer. Hopefully, we can finally get to our end goal.

"We don't want to get too ahead of ourselves. We can't be content with where we are now."

Kirk was happy to do her part as well.

She headed home a rebound in the 77th minute for the game's only goal after a free kick from senior Maria DeShaw of Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa HS), caromed off the cross bar.

It was Kirk's eighth goal of the season — a new career high. She shares the team-lead with Perkins.

"We have such a huge senior class. We've been together since our freshman year," Kirk said. "This is something we really want." 

Joining DeShaw, Dickson and Kirk as Hope seniors are Lindsey Bieri of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian HS), Brooke Dippel of Mason, Michigan (Mason HS), Mary Cefaratti of Hindsale, Illinois (Hinsdale Central HS), Sarah Fazio of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian HS), Erin Jipping of Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa HS), Courtney Schmidt of Lowell, Michigan (Lowell HS), and Maddie Buursma of Grandville, Michigan (Calvin Christian HS).