A brisk, cool, evening saw the red-hot Hope College women's soccer team chilled, for a night, by a rival.

In front of a crowd of 851 on a crisp Wednesday evening at Van Andel Soccer Stadium, 19th-ranked Calvin University earned a 2-0 victory in a first-place showdown.

The Knights (9-2-2, 5-0 MIAA) now stand alone atop the league standings with a 5-0 league record after stopping the Flying Dutch's nine-game winning streak.

Hope (9-2-1, 4-1 MIAA) slipped into second place after challenging the Knights, who have not lost since Sept. 11 despite facing three Top 10 teams in NCAA Division III.

"I think it was a super fun atmosphere and we knew it was going to be a great, competitive game," Holly Van Noord said of her first rivalry game in the head coach spot. "Calvin is just so good; are coached incredibly well. They have incredible talent in every position, and they run hard and play hard. We knew exactly what they were going to come at us with."

After what felt like watching a game of Pong due to the fast-paced footwork of both teams back and forth on the field, halftime brought a scoreless draw. 

The Knights wasted no time in the second half, though, and surged into the lead five minutes into the period.

Calvin's Olivia Rawls picked up a drop ball from a fellow Knight to send a shot into the upper portion of the net past the outstretched hands of Hope net minder senior Kendall Robertson (Jackson, Michigan / Western HS). 

In the 72nd minute, Robertson knocked away a Calvin shot from the top of the box, sending the rebound towards the outside left of the box. A Hope clearing attempt didn't work, resulting in an own goal and a 2-0 Knights lead.

Senior Carley Wagasky (Grand Haven, Michigan / Grand Haven) led the Flying Dutch with three of their 10 shots, including one on goal.

Junior Ainsley Harris (Zeeland, Michigan / Holland Christian) had two shots, also with one on net. 

Robertson recorded six saves. Calvin outshot the Flying Dutch, 13-10.

Hope returns to the field on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. vs. third-place Adrian College at Van Andel Soccer Stadium.