A dominant offense and solid defense helped the Baker University women’s soccer team beat conference rival MidAmerica Nazarene University 3 – 0 Wednesday in Baldwin City.

Head coach Nate Houser said his team played well from the start.

“As a team, we were a lot more positive,” Houser said. “We held possession a lot more (than in previous games).”

Midway through the first half, Baker broke the scoreless tie with help from the MidAmerica Nazarene goalkeeper, freshman Mikayla Medlock said.

“I took a shot and the goalie deflected it in,” Medlock said. “It was an own goal from them. It was ugly, but we needed it, and it kind of got us going.”

Medlock was credited with the goal.

The second goal of the game also came in the first half when sophomore midfielder Rachel Shepard found the net giving the Wildcats a 2-0 halftime advantage.

The final goal of the game came from another sophomore midfielder, Sara Matthews, during the second half of play. The goal was Matthews’ fifth of the season.

Matthews said the team came out and played well in a big conference game.

“It’s important to play well during conference games, and we did in this game,” Matthews said. “We showed a lot of fight, and we showed up ready to play good soccer. When we show up the results are usually good.”

Medlock said the game was a good team performance.

“Basically, we dominated this game,” Medlock said. “We should have scored more, but it was still a dominating team showing.”

Houser said MidAmerica Nazarene was a competitive team, but also was the type of team the Wildcats should be able to handle each time out.

“MANU is solid on their game,” Houser said. “They have been dangerous against other teams, but in games like this one, we should be able to come out ahead every time.”

On Oct. 13, the team traveled to Lebanon, Ill., to face defending region champion McKendree University. The Wildcats lost the game 2 – 0.

Houser said the game against McKendree was a great learning experience.

“McKendree is the defending regional winner,” Houser said. “They beat Graceland University and William Jewell University. They are a very good team. Hopefully, we do our jobs and get to the postseason so we can get another shot at them.”

On Oct. 7 the Wildcats hosted Central Methodist University. Led by the play of Shepard who scored the only goal, the ‘Cats won the game 1 – 0.

The next test for the team will be at 12 p.m. Saturday in Atchison against Benedictine College. The Wildcats are now 5-5-2 overall and 2-1-2 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.