An afternoon in the Valley brought a tough outing for the Eastern Mennonite University Royals on Wednesday, as they would surrender three goals and be held scoreless at Bridgewater College.

The Royals, who attempted just seven shots compared to Bridgewater's 19, were shut out for the first time this season.

In the first 45 minutes of play, neither side could get a quality scoring chance to get on the board. Despite numerous looks to cage, the Royals defense kept the Eagles on the perimeter of the box, allowing only one shot on goal.  

However, Bridgewater rolled into the second half with offensive momentum after the 8-1 shot margin over the Royals.

BC struck early in the 52nd minute of play after sneaking a shot past sophomore keeper Leah Wenger (Harrisonburg, Va./Eastern Mennonite).

Nearly three minutes later, the Eagles found the back of the net once again to put EMU in a 0-2 hole that would prove to be insurmountable.

The third and final goal of the match came from recently awarded ODAC Women's Soccer Player of the Week Anna Sobus, who had a three-point effort in the win.

Freshman midfielder Rachel Sauder (Waynesboro, Va./Stuarts Draft) put an attempt on goal right at the 77-minute mark of the contest, but BC keeper saved the shot. That would prove to be the last chance for EMU to get on the board.

Sauder led the way with three shots on goal for the Royals, while Shaylla Oswald (Broadway, Va./Broadway), Leigh Lumsden (Madison, Va./Madison County), Emily Hostetler (Marshallville, Ohio/Smithville), and Kylie Paul (Hellertown, Pa./Saucon Valley) each had a shot attempt a piece.

Wenger made six saves in the loss, working the full 90 minutes of play.

Due to the oddities of this year's unbalanced conference schedule, the rivalry match does not count towards the ODAC standings.

The Royals fall to 2-3-2 on the season.

EMU will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 23 in an ODAC conference match against Roanoke College in Salem, Va. Kickoff is at 3:00PM.