Greencastle, Ind. - The Franklin College women's soccer team won its first match over a nationally ranked opponent in program history with a 4-3 road victory against No. 17-ranked DePauw University on Wednesday.

Sophomore Maddie Fleet scored one goal and added two assists to lead the Grizzlies. She found the back of the net in 77th minute to give the Grizzlies a 4-2 advantage. DePauw (4-1) scored 53 seconds later to get within one goal, 4-3. Franklin (4-2) did not allow the Tigers to square the match over the final 12 minutes.

"We studied our performance from last weekend and knew there were spots defensively we could do better. We renewed our focus in that area knowing our attack would take care of itself," said Franklin Head Women's Soccer Coach Justin Sullivan. "The grit, work, and fight the team showed tonight was admirable. I'm super proud of them."

DePauw scored the first goal of the match in the 35th minute on a goal from Ali Grimm. Franklin answered three minutes later on the first collegiate goal by freshman Taylor McDaniel. She finished the scoring opportunity after receiving a pass from junior Clare Lenart and Fleet.

The two teams went into the halftime break tied at one, but the final 45 minutes of the match featured a combined five goals.

Lenart gave the visitors a 2-1 lead in the 50th minute with her third goal of the season. DePauw squared the match at 2-2 on a tally from Kathryn Ruark in the 54th minute. Franklin regained the lead, 3-2, in the 61st minute when junior Haley Lowe scored her fourth goal of the season. Fleet once again set up the goal with her second assist of the match. Then, Fleet scored a key goal in the 77th minute to increase the margin to two goals, 4-2.

Fleet was named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Player of the Week on Monday.

DePauw held a 16-11 shot advantage for the match, but Franklin led 9-7 in shots on goal. Lenart led the Grizzlies with five shots, while Fleet and McDanield each added two shots.

Franklin returns to action on Saturday, September 17 at 7 p.m. when it hosts the University of Mount Union from Faught Stadium.