It's just four games into the 2013 season, and the EMU soccer women already have more wins than they have had since 2010.  With Tuesday's 4-1 thumping of Cairn in Langhorne, Pa., including a hat trick from Nora Osei (Springfield, Va./West Springfield), the Royals improve to 4-0 to start this year, their most wins since going 7-9-2 three years ago.

The Eastern Mennonite women jumped ahead of the host Highlanders quickly, with Osei scoring on the game's first shot in the 11th minute.  Nine minutes later, the junior was at it again, beating the Cairn keeper for a 2-0 lead.

Within seconds of the following kickoff, EMU stole the ball and surged downfield once more.  This time Elisa Ott (Lancaster, Pa./Penn Manor) lofted a perfect cross to Osei, who was sitting inside the box for another score and a hat trick in the first 20:15 of the game.  It was the second career hat trick for Osei.

The Royals continued to control play and added another tally in the 42nd minute, when freshman Sophie Smith (Monrovia, Md./Linganore) lofted a long shot over the keeper's head. 

The 4-0 lead held remained until the 61st minute, when the Highlanders finally got a goal, but EMU's defense held the rest of the way.

The women had a 14-7 advantage in shots, including 9-4 on goal.  Smith's goal was the first of her collegiate career, while Osei now leads the team with five scores this year.

Becca Borg (Gig Harbor, Wash./Peninsula) played in goal in the first half and notched the win.  Rachel Klainer (Leesburg, Va./Heritage) played the second and collected a pair of saves.

This Saturday will be a big challenge for the young Royals, as they open ODAC play by hosting Washington and Lee at 4:00pm.  The Generals were picked third in the preseason poll after going 14-3-1 last year, including 10-1-1 in the ODAC.