INDIANAPOLIS - The Knights and Racers were tied 1-1 at halftime, but two second half goals coming from Allie Schlom and Erin Oleksak fueled No. 7 Marian's 3-1 victory over No. 25 Northwestern Ohio. The win is Marian's second straight over a ranked foe, helping Marian improve to a 7-1 overall mark in non-conference play. 

Marian's offense pressed Northwestern Ohio in the opening minutes of the match, forcing multiple turnovers in the first handful of minutes to lead to three long distance shots for Marian. Marian dominated on the offensive end throughout the majority of the opening 20 minutes, but the Racers began to put together a handful of runs, including a free kick from 30 yards out as they began to establish an offensive rhythm. 

A shot from Allie Schlom helped kickstart Marian's offense after possession hung with UNOH, as they were able to maintain a presence on the offensive end of the field. Schlom started a run in the 24th minute, sending a cross from the right side of the box along for Erin Oleksak. Oleksak immediately gathered the ball and put away the goal in one motion, pushing Marian on top 1-0. UNOH responded six minutes later, as they drove in deep and got in striking range, with Renata Aguirre playing a ball back in front of the net to Jeweleen Reuille, allowing the Racers to tie the game 1-1. 

Marian responded and looked to add a goal before the half concluded taking four shots over the final 15 minutes, but could not push in a go-ahead goal before intermission. At the half Marian held a commanding 9-3 lead in shot attempts, taking three corners to Northwestern Ohio's 2. 

Right away in the second half UNOH went on the attack and pressed the Knights with a pair of shots in the first seven minutes, but the Knights responded with a run of their own, getting a shot from Maya Decker in the 57th minute. Less than a minute later, Schlom started another attack, and hit a blast at the goal with the ball bouncing off the keeper and bottom of the crossbar before crossing the end line for the go-ahead goal. Just three minutes later Marian went on the attack again, this time with Oleksak scoring off a pass from Madison Hill. Hill set up the junior with a pass at the top of the box, and Oleksak used her track speed to race through the defense before scoring the insurance goal. 

Marian's defense controlled the rest of the game, limiting UNOH to just one shot as the cruised the final 30 minutes to secure their seventh win of the season with the 3-1 result. Marian ended the match with 16 shots while limiting UNOH to just six looks. Noelle Rolfsen made saves on three shots while allowing one goal, earning the win in frame. 

Offensively Oleksak led the Knights in shots with six, taking four on goal to result in her two goal game. Schlom finished with four shots, scoring on her only look on goal while adding an assist to her totals. Sydney Genatempo finished with two shots, while Hill, and Decker each took one in the win. 

Marian will continue their string matches against ranked opponents, travleing to No. 14 Aquinas on Saturday afternoon for a 3:30 PM match in Grand Rapids. 

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