INDIANAPOLIS – After being scoreless in the first half, the No. 3-ranked Marian women's soccer team found their way in the second half to continue their hot start to the 2022 season, shutting out No. 18-ranked Grace 2-0 in their Crossroads League opener at St. Vincent Field Saturday evening.

The first half was relatively quiet for both teams on offense, as the two teams managed a combined seven shot attempts in the period. Marian came away with the first look as Erin Oleksak managed to take a shot in the second minute, but the Lancer goalie managed to get her hands on it and make the save. Oleksak continued her offensive force in the 11th minute, but booted one off the post to keep the Knights still searching.

The Knights notched two more shots in the half, coming from Naomi Walters and Jacelyn Smith before Grace began to see some offensive action, seeing a shot that went wide left at the 14:28 mark. The offense switched to the visitor's side, as they posted two more shots in the half.

Marian came out aggressive to start the second half, seeing Oleksak and Walters firing off three quick shots. The pursuit for a goal paid off in the 51st minute, as Smith was able to separate herself from the Grace defense in front of the net, and bury one in the net to give the Knights the 1-0 lead. The Lancers tried to respond with a header, but a big save by Noelle Rolfsen kept them scoreless. After subbing into the game in the 66th minute, Lindsey Stoughton brought a spark for the Knights at the 73:18, as she got her foot on the ball after a cross from Allie Schlom, seeing the ball clang back into the goal to give Marian a 2-0 lead.

Even with the late offensive threat by Grace, the pair of goals and the defensive effort were all Marian needed to close out the 2-0 victory. As a team the Knights took 14 shots, and were led by Oleksak's seven shots. Smith and Walters each posted three shots with Smith having the game-winning goal. Stoughton took one shot off the bench that ended up being the insurance goal on the assist from Schlom.

In goal, Rolfsen played the full 90 minutes, making four saves for the Knights.

Marian will travel to No.2-ranked Spring Arbor on Wednesday, September 28 for a 7 PM start.

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