The Malone University women's soccer team defeated Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) opponent Saginaw Valley State University (MI) by the final score of 2-1 on the road Friday night.

Neither the Pioneers nor the Cardinals would score in the first half, resulting in a 0-0 deadlock at the half. It was a battle of the defenses in the first half for both teams, as SVSU had the slight 5-to-2 shot advantage over Malone.

18 minutes into the second half, sophomore defender Paige Clary connected with Christine Najjar who shot one into the back of the net, giving the Pioneers the 1-0 lead with 27 minutes remaining in regulation.

The Pioneers went on to score again at the 84:24 marker, as forward Leah Arnold dished the ball to Brianna Smith.  Smith scored her ninth goal of the season to put Malone ahead 2-0 with six minutes left.

With 37 seconds left in the game, the hosts took advantage of the Pioneers' foul to net a goal of their own, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The Cardinals would not score again, giving the Pioneers the 2-1 victory.

The Pioneers will return to action on Tuesday, October 20^th as they travel to non-conference opponent Clarion University (PA) for a 4:00p.m. match-up.

Game Notes:
-Brianna Smith registered her ninth goal on the season. She is currently third in the GLIAC in goals (9) and has moved up to 12th on Malone's all-time list for goals scored (now with 20 in her career)
-Christine Najjar is now tied for 13^th on Malone's all-time list for goals scored after registering her 19th career goal in tonight's contest.
-Goalkeeper Leah Rauscher collected four saves on the night and increased her season total to 89 saves. She is currently third in the GLIAC in total saves (89).
-Leah Arnold tallied her second assist on the season.
-Paige Clary notched her first career assist as a Pioneer.
-The last time Malone beat SVSU was on September 20, 2013 at home in a 2-1 double-overtime contest.