Grand Rapids, Mich. - The game was deadlocked at halftime, but a three-minute window in the second half allowed the Marian women's soccer team to score twice as they defeated No. 14 Aquinas 2-0 Saturday afternoon. Marian is now 8-1 overall this season as they get set to start Crossroads League play. 

Aquinas had the stronger first half Saturday afternoon, leading Marian 5-3 in shot attempts at the half while both teams managed four corner kicks. Aquinas had a flurry of shots in the 13th and 14th minutes ripping three in under a minute, but neither of the three attempts reached the goal. Marian defended a corner kick and shot from Hannah Crum in the 22nd minute, and got offensive in the 24th minute with Maya Decker taking the Knights' first shot of the game, but her blast was smothered by the keeper. Allie Schlom and Miranda Nosko would add shot attmempts in the final five minutes of the half, but neither were able to get a look on goal as the game remained a draw. 

In the second half, Marian went to work on offense right away, with Schlom taking a shot on goal 81 seconds into the half as the Knights started to establish possession. A pair of corner kicks kept Marian on the attacking half, and after a pair of shots from Decker Marian strung together the look they were looking for. Schlom won a loose ball as Aquinas threatened to attack, and connected with Erin Oleksak near the midfield line with the junior using her track speed to out-run the defense. Oleksak attacked the left side of the box as she approached the frame, and turned a pass back inside for Schlom, who slipt behind the defense to put away the game's first goal. 

Leading 1-0 after the 59th minute, the Knights quickly found an insurance goal just three minutes later, with Madison Deckard and Schlom starting the play. Deckard pressed the Saints deep on the right sideline, and turned a pass back for Schlom. The second year Knight looked and sent a long pass across the field connecting with Decker, who controlled the ball and made one move before firing a blast into the top pocket of the net, giving Marian their 2-0 lead. 

The Knights were able to maintain their lead for the final 28:40, allowing just two shot attempts with both missing the frame, while Noelle Rolfsen and her defense cleared out a pair of corner kicks to preserve the clean sheet. Rolfsen earned her third shutout of the season with the win Saturday, making two saves. Schlom had the game-winning goal and one assist taking two shots in the game, while Decker took a team-high four shots en route to netting her first goal of the season. Oleksak took three shots with two going on frame, recording her fifth assist of the season. 

Marian opens Crossroads League play on the road after closing their non-conference slate, traveling to No. 15 Grace Saturday night for a 7 PM match. 

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