The Kent State women’s soccer team swept the weekend with wins at Butler (6-2-1) and at Zoeller Field against Cleveland State (4-4-1). These two wins bring the Flashes’ record above the .500 mark at 3-2-2.

Friday night, Kent State delivered Butler their first home loss of the season.

Butler began on top and started the match with a goal in the 14th minute by Christy Chou.

The Golden Flashes quickly responded with a goal of their own in the 20th minute by sophomore forward Veronica Bosco.

Kent State got ahead right before halftime after junior forward Jenna Hellstrom knocked in a loose ball that got by Butler goalie Madison Card. Freshman goalkeeper Ashleah McDonald shutout the Bulldogs in the second half, winning the match 2-1.

McDonald backed up her second half performance on Friday with a shutout of Cleveland State on Sunday. Kent head coach Rob Marinaro recognized this, while also giving credit to the rest of the team.

“(McDonald) solidifies us in the back,” Marinaro said. “She’s been playing very well. But ultimately it’s a team performance. I think out of the three wins, those are the three best games that we’ve played. (This is) the toughest and the hardest we’ve seen ourselves work this season, and that’s why we’ve seen positive outcomes.”

Before the game against the Vikings, Kent State recognized their seniors: goalkeeper Stephanie Senn, defender Madison Helterbran and defender Briana Bartolone.

As they did against Butler, the Golden Flashes scored early against CSU.

Hellstrom booted in her fifth goal of the season in the ninth minute after Bartolone drew a free kick call.

The Flashes scored again in the first half when junior defender Brittany Maisano scored her second goal of the season on a header launched by sophomore forward Karli Paracca.

The Flashes outscored their opponents by a combined score of 4-1. Their defense has only given up at least two goals once out of their seven games.

“I think the entire team has committed themselves to playing much stronger defense,” Marinaro said. “We’re seeing some results in that this weekend in a high-powered offense in Butler limiting some of their opportunities. We always have a great challenge with Cleveland State. I think we stepped up to both challenges and did very well.”

Kent State will take its two-game win streak to Richmond, Kentucky, on Friday against Eastern Kentucky (0-7) as they start a three-game stretch away from home.

“I think it’s important to keep the momentum going,” Marinaro said. “It’s a very good accomplishment beating two very good teams in Butler and Cleveland State. But that’s in the past now and we’ve got to continue working hard.”