PULASKI, Tenn. – The Martin Methodist Women's Soccer team notched two goals in the first half and used a strong defensive effort to turn away No. 25 Bethel (Tenn.) Saturday afternoon at Grissom Pitch.

Facing a ranked opponent for a third-straight contest, the RedHawks (8-3-1, 2-1 SSAC) returned to their winning ways after suffering a cruel double-overtime defeat at No. 2 William Carey (Miss.) a week ago.

Martin Methodist struck for the first two goals of the match, with Mackenzie Stroebel and Yuki Watari notching tallies in the 22nd and 29th minutes.

The Lady Wildcats (6-4-1, 1-2 SSAC) would respond with a goal of their own to keep things interesting, however, as they tallied a goal in the 36th minute from forward Janine Dennis.

The RedHawks led in shots after the match's opening 45 minutes by a 9-5 margin, and would outshoot the Lady Wildcats, 8-5, in the second half.

Despite playing with a man advantage after a Bethel straight red card in the 65th minute, the RedHawks could not produce a moment of magic in the second half and were forced to settle for the one-goal victory.

The win improved the RedHawks to 23-0-1 all-time versus the Lady Wildcats, dating back Sept. 13, 2005.

The match kicked off a five-match homestand for the RedHawks, who improved to 3-1 at Grissom Pitch this season.

The RedHawks return to action next Thursday, Oct. 17, when they host Florida College. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at Grissom Pitch.