Spring Arbor, Mich. – The No. 3 Marian women's soccer team found all the offense they needed in the first half Wednesday night, as Maya Decker and Naomi Walters each netted one to help propel the Knights to a 2-1 win over No. 2 Spring Arbor. The win gives Marian the 9-0-1 overall record, while moving to 2-0 in Crossroads League Play.
Spring Arbor dominated a majority of possession in the first half, firing off more shots than the Knights, 8-3. However, Marian were the ones executing on their attempts, as Decker was the first to put the Knights on the board after booting one in the back of the net at the 13:44 mark to give them the 1-0 lead.
The visitors continued to press the offense onto the Cougars as Walters scored her seventh goal of the season in the 35th minute, which would prove to be the game-winning goal, as Spring Arbor answered late in the first half with a goal of their own to make it a 2-1 Marian lead going into the break.
The second half proved to be an even battle with both teams notching six shots in the half. Erin Oleksak was the first to get things going as she fired off two quick shots with one hitting the post and the other going high. The hosts responded with two quick shots off their own, unable to execute on either. The two teams continued to battle back and forth with each taking shot attempts, but neither were able to find the back of the net on any of their chances.
Marian saw a couple late looks, but were unable to capitalize. Spring Arbor tried their best to tie things up with some two late shot attempts in the final minute, but the Knights defense held strong and left Michigan with 2-1 win.
Oleksak led the way with four shot attempts and one shot on goal, while Walters added two shots and one goal. Decker had one shot, executing on her attempt with the first goal of the game. Marian Corro Celma and Delaney Taylor each took a shot for Marian as well. Noelle Rolfsen got the win in goal for the Knights, playing the full 90 minutes, making three saves and allowing one goal.
The Knights will return home Saturday at 7:30 PM as they host Bethel on senior day.
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