Williamsburg, Ky. - The Marian women's soccer team put up a fight Saturday night at the eighth-ranked University of the Cumberlands, but came up short falling to the Patriots 1-0 in their season opener. 

The Justin Sullivan era of Marian women's soccer began with a flash, as the Knights charged the net off the opening kickoff with Delaney Taylor firing a shot on goal 38 seconds into the match. The aggressive start was matched by the Patriots, as they took a quick charge at the goal, but were flagged for an early offsides. The Knights offense got in gear in the 19th minute, putting together a run with Allie Schlom firing the first of three straight shots for Marian but her attempt missed wide right. Jacelyn Smith came back with a pair of shots herself, but the two looks were either saved or high of the frame. 

In the 35th minute, the Patriots put together a quick run, charging the right side of the box. Laura Navajas Marin set up the play, and delivered a pass for Jayden Boelter, who buried a shot in the upper corner over the out-stretched arm of keeper Noelle Rolfsen. The shot stood as the only goal of the half, with Rolfsen making one save in the waning moments of the half to keep the game a one-score margin. 

Marian trailed in shots at halftime 5-4, with both teams remaining even with one corner kick each. 

The Knights remained aggressive entering the second half, and in the first 10 minutes of the half earned a corner kick. Smith delivered the third corner of the match for Marian and connected with Bridget Stratman, but her header missed right of the net. The Patriots shifted their strategy to a defensive half, and limited Marian's offense for a 20-minute span. The Cumberlands turned their defensive possessions into a pair of shot attempts, but Rolfsen kept her ground in net to make a pair of saves. 

Marian picked up two good looks in the final 15 minutes as they tried for their first goal of the match, with the first coming on a corner that was plucked out of mid-air by the Patriots keeper. With over two minutes remaining, Marian drew a foul outside of the box to earn a set piece, but the free kick from Smith sailed high of the crossbar. The Cumberlands held possession for the final two minutes, pulling away with the 1-0 win in the season opener. 

Smith led Marian in shot attempts with three, while Schlom, Stratman, Taylor, and Natalie Prena each had one attempt. Rolfsen made three saves in net playing the full game, allowing one goal. 

The Knights will come back to Indianapolis to begin a three-match homestand, hosting Saint Xavier on Wednesday August 25 at St. Vincent Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM. 

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