Lindsey Bieri

The Hope College women's soccer team extended its lead in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association standings by winning 5-1 at Albion on Wednesday.

Freshman Allie Wittenbach of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Forest Hills Central HS), scored twice as the Flying Dutch moved five points ahead of second-place Alma after Alma played to a a 1-1 tie against Calvin on Wednesday.

Hope matched its season-high in goals from a Sept. 24 shutout win at Alma. The Flying Dutch are now 9-3 overall and 8-1 in MIAA play.

Senior Lindsey Bieri of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian HS), opened the scoring against the Britons (8-5-1, 4-5-1 MIAA) two minutes into the match with her third goal this season. Senior Erin Jipping of Holland, Michigan (West Ottawa HS), had the assist.

Wittenbach then struck with 11 minutes, 46 seconds left in the first half for a 2-0 halftime lead. Sophomore Elizabeth Perkins of Eaton Rapids, Michigan (Lansing Christian HS), recorded the assist.

After Albion scored 5:23 into the second half, Perkins chipped in her team-leading sixth goal of the season 14 minutes later to push Hope's lead to 3-1.

Jipping netted her fourth goal of the season 57 seconds later.

Wittenbach closed the scoring 4 minutes, 39 seconds later thanks to an assist from sophomore Natalie Curry of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Grandville Calvin Christian HS). It was Wittenbach's fourth goal.

Goalie Kat Dickson of Grayslake, Illinois (Grayslake Central HS), made two saves for the Flying Dutch. 

Hope returns to action on Friday, Oct. 10, at Adrian. Kickoff is 4 p.m.