Ohio Wesleyan's 2002 women's soccer title run surely was based on the mantra "defense wins."

The Battling Bishops didn't allow a single goal while defending their title, including the 1-0 win over Messiah November 30 at William Smith to give the squad its 45th straight win and the national championship.

"I think it's just unbelievable what the (team has) accomplished, going through an undefeated season," Ohio Wesleyan coach Bob Barnes said. "Winning it twice in a row is just absolutely surreal. I feel great for the upperclassmen who have done incredible things -- from starting their career winning 19 games in a row and then finishing it by winning a 45th straight."

The Battling Bishops became the first team to defend a national title since UC San Diego won three straight from 1995 to 1997.

Playing on a turf field rather than grass because of poor field conditions, Messiah came out strong in the opening minute of play, but Ohio Wesleyan's defense would recover quickly to avoid any shots on goal early in the game.

The only score of the contest came with 21:15 left in the first half. Ohio Wesleyan had a corner kick, which defender Toni Frissora sent into the box from the right side. Forward Liz Sheehan got the bounce from near the right post and tapped the ball to forward Erika Howland, who put the shot into the open net.

"It was just kind of bouncing around. They didn't clear it, and then we didn't get a shot off," Howland, a junior, said. "I have one run that I make and kind of clean up anything, and it just happened to come by that way. I just had it right in front of me, and I had an open goal."

Messiah had its only shot on goal in the first period at the 10:58 mark, but Erin Benedict's shot sailed high. Ohio Wesleyan outshot the Falcons, 6-1, in the first period. The trend continued in the second half with only two more shots for Messiah.

"I think with the talent we have up front and in the midfield, we've only been held scoreless one game in the last two seasons," Barnes said. "So I felt we could create some opportunities. I knew Messiah was an outstanding team and I figured it was going to be a one-goal game. We usually don't give up too many opportunities defensively, so as long as we could eke one out and stand tough on the defense, I felt we were in good shape."

The Battling Bishops' defense held an opponent scoreless for the 20th time this season. Mindy Hammond, the Ohio Wesleyan goalkeeper, didn't have to make a single save.

Ohio Wesleyan advanced to the title game with a 3-0 shutout of William Smith, while Messiah, which finished the season 23-1, survived penalty kicks to advance past Trinity (Texas).

Howland was named the most outstanding offensive player and Hammond was honored as the defensive player of the tournament. Teammates Sheehan and Sarah Wall also were named to the all-tournament team. Messiah placed Jennifer Sapp, Emily Benson, Jamie Gasiorowski and Mindy Miller on the squad. William Smith's Alyson Stachura and Jamie Bauer, and Mackenzie Bergstrom of Trinity (Texas) also were honored.

Quarterfinals

William Smith* 0, Wheaton (Mass.) 0 (2 ot) (William Smith wins on penalty kicks, 5-4); Ohio Wesleyan* 0, St. Thomas 0 (2 ot) (Ohio Wesleyan wins on penalty kicks, 3-2); Messiah* 0, Wheaton (Ill.) 0 (2 ot) (Messiah wins on penalty kicks, 3-0); Trinity (Tex.) 2, Puget Sound 1.

Semifinals

Overtime: Messiah wins on penalty kicks, 3-1.

Shots: Trinity (Tex.) 14, Messiah 12. Goalkeeper saves: Trinity (Tex.) (Abby Shaltz) 4, Messiah (Maggie Futato) 5. Corner kicks: Trinity (Tex.) 2, Messiah 8. Fouls: Trinity (Tex.) 15, Messiah 11. Attendance: 349.

First half: OW -- Sarah Wall, 2:53; OW -- Erika Howland (Wall), 8:18.

Second half: OW -- Emily Bayer (Howland), 46:32.

Shots: Ohio Wesleyan 9, William Smith 15. Goalkeeper saves: Ohio Wesleyan (Mindy Hammond 3, Tiffany Soggs 5), William Smith (Leah Cornwell) 0. Corner kicks: Ohio Wesleyan 3, William Smith 5. Fouls: Ohio Wesleyan 11, William Smith 3. Attendance: 578.

Championship

First half: OW -- Erika Howland (Liz Sheehan), 23:45.

Shots: Messiah 3, Ohio Wesleyan 13. Goalkeeper saves: Messiah (Maggie Futato) 8, Ohio Wesleyan (Mindy Hammond) 0. Corner kicks: Messiah 1, Ohio Wesleyan 2. Fouls: Messiah 6, Ohio Wesleyan 19. Attendance: 548.