One of the stingiest defensive stretches for the Hope College women's soccer ended at Alma College Thursday, but the Flying Dutch did not let the disappointment linger.

Nationally ranked Hope College responded after giving up the first goal in nearly a month with two goals of its own to earn a 3-1 road victory.

The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association champions improved to 15-1-1 overall and 13-1-1 in league play by extending their win streak to five matches and their unbeaten streak to 11.

Alma evened the score at 1-1 on Whitnee Foote's unassisted goal 21 ½ minutes into the match. The Flying Dutch opened the scoring with the fifth goal of the season from senior Erin Brophy of West Lafayette, Indiana (West Lafayette HS) off a team-leading sixth assist from senior Allie Wittenbach of Ada, Michigan (Forest Hills Central) 14:51 into the first half.

Junior Rachael Braginton of Grandville, Michigan (Grandville) broke the deadlock with 6:40 remaining in the first half with her sixth goal of the season.

Junior Kristen Marsman of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian) — the reigning MIAA Defensive Player of the Week — recorded her first assist of the season.

Wittenbach added an insurance goal 8:21 into the second half. It was her seventh goal of the season.

Junior Grace Bubin of Rockford, Michigan (Rockford) had her fifth assist of the season.

Freshman goalie Jordanne Ellingboe of Grand Haven, Michigan (Grand Haven) made one save for her 13th victory of the season.

The Flying Dutch went six matches without allowing a goal. The school record is eight.

Hope held teams scoreless for a span of 588 minutes, 14 seconds.

The Flying Dutch are ranked 16th in this week's D3Soccer.com poll and 24th in the United Soccer Coaches poll.

Hope returns to action on Saturday, October 28 at 5 p.m. with a home match against College Conference of Illinois Wisconsin champion Wheaton, Illinois.