INDIANAPOLIS – The Marian women's soccer team tournament run continues after taking down Taylor 3-2 in the Crossroads League Tournament Semifinals, led behind Erin Oleksak's brace to advance to the championship on Saturday. Marian improves to 17-0-2 overall and 8-0-1 in league play.
The Knights were on the attack from the opening kickoff against the Trojans, blasting 22 shots. Erin Oleksak found her way into the box just 41 seconds in and had a look at goal, while 12 more shots were made in the opening 28 minutes of action. The aggressive offense finally paid off in the 29th minute when Allie Schlom found Oleksak to give Marian their first goal of the match and take the 1-0 lead.
Marian controlled possession for most of the first half as they continued their offensive tear and the Trojans managed only three shots in the half, all of which found the hands of Noelle Rolfsen.
After only scoring one goal in the first half, the Knights wasted no time in half number two as Walters booted one past the keeper at the 46:16 mark. With the 2-0 lead at hand, Walters found herself on the other end of the ball by giving the assist to Oleksak who found back netting in the 54th minute to give Marian the 3-0 cushion and herself the brace.
Down 3-0, Taylor was not giving up. The Trojans got their first goal in the 69th minute on a corner kick from Claire Massey that would find the foot of Sydney Thompson. Not rattled by the goal, the Knights continued to see good looks, with Decker's shot being saved by the Taylor keeper and Ryli John's attempt going high.
It was at the 73:27 mark when the Trojans found their second goal to cut the lead back 3-2, but the Marian defense held solid by allowing only two late shot attempts, while the offense put together eight more looks. Marian would be able to hold on and get the 3-2 win to advance to the Crossroads League Tournament Championship.
The Knights put together 38 shots led behind Oleksak's two goals on 14 shots, while Walters had one goal on seven shots, and Decker had five. Nine more Knights also took at least one shot attempt in the match. Rolfsen got the win in goal for Marian, making nine saves on the night.
The Knights will return to action on Saturday, November 12 at 2 PM as they host the winner of the No. 2 seed Spring Arbor or No. 3 seeded Grace.
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