Wheaton, Ill. - The Wheaton women's soccer team utilized an early goal on Tuesday afternoon to defeat Hope College 1-0 in a battle of nationally ranked foes. No. 9 Hope College is now 8-1-1 on the year, while No. 13 Wheaton improves to 9-2 with its fourth-consecutive victory.

Thunder freshman Aeva Graber converted Wheaton's second shot of the match at the 7:54 mark of the contest (VIDEO). Graber's fourth goal of the year came from the left side of the goal from about 12 yards out and was setup by a long free kick into the box by Carney Blake. Graber's shot slipped past the out-stretched arms of Hope's diving goalkeeper Jordanne Ellingboe.

Wheaton dominated the pace in the first half as the Thunder out-shot the Flying Dutch 9-1, including a 3-1 edge in shots on goal.

Wheaton again had a substantial edge in possession and shots. The Thunder held a 7-2 advantage in shots for the second half, including a 4-1 advantage in shots on goal.

Thunder goalkeeper Lauren Ketchum made two saves in 90 minutes of work to post the shutout for the hosts. Hope netminder Jordanne Ellingboe stopped six Wheaton shots and allowed Graber's first-half goal in 90 minutes.

The Thunder out-shot the Flying Dutch 16-3 in the match, including a 7-2 edge in shots on goal. Wheaton was awarded five corner kicks in the match and Hope had one.

Today's match concluded a difficult stretch that saw Wheaton face nationally-ranked University of Chicago, Illinois Wesleyan and nationally ranked Hope. Wheaton was 3-0 in the difficult stretch as the Thunder handed both Chicago (ranked No. 3 at the time) and Hope (ranked No. 9) their first loss of the season.

Wheaton hosts Augustana Friday at 4:30 p.m. in a CCIW match at Joe Bean Stadium.