DEFIANCE, Ohio - Alessia Di Nino scored just 40 seconds into the match to launch Madonna University (10-5-1) toward an 11-0 victory over Defiance College (OH) (4-10-2) on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Winsper Knobel Field in Defiance, Ohio. Lillian Hayter assisted on the opening goal.
The Crusaders quickly turned that breakthrough into a four-goal advantage. Amarra Blattner scored at 4:13 off an assist from Chelsey Chambless, then added an unassisted goal at 6:29. Chambless joined the scoring at 9:20, giving Madonna four goals before 10 minutes had elapsed. Blattner converted both of their shots into goals.
Kennedy Hollerbach extended the lead with an unassisted finish at 16:23. Nadine Jawad followed at 28:28 off an Avery Topinka assist, sending the Crusaders into halftime ahead 6-0. Madonna controlled the first-half chances with a 16-0 shot advantage and earned all six of the match's corner kicks before the break.
Topinka opened the second-half scoring at 48:57 with Jessica Gucciardi providing the assist. The defense then blocked Destiny Pier's attempt at 53:52, denying Defiance's only shot of the match. Molly Cote pushed the lead to 8-0 at 56:06 and finished with a team-high five shots.
Di Nino scored again at 72:54, with Hayter supplying a second assist. Chambless added a second goal at 77:59 off Hollerbach's assist, joining Di Nino and Blattner with two goals apiece. Marlena Ballnik completed the scoring at 82:16 on an assist from Madison Ellis, becoming Madonna's eighth different goal scorer.
The result left Madonna unbeaten in conference play at 7-0-1, while Defiance stood at 0-7-0. The Crusaders finished with a 28-1 advantage in shots and scored on all 11 of their shots on goal. Goalkeeper Grace McCormick allowed no goals and needed no saves as Madonna kept Defiance from putting an attempt on target.
Madonna women's soccer is back in action on Saturday, October 24, 2026 when they take part in their regular season finale when they host the Saints of Aquinas College at 12:30 PM on the MU Soccer and Lacrosse Field.
