CANTON, Ohio -- On Thursday afternoon the Malone University women's soccer team weathered both a mid-March rain storm, and the Lake Erie College Storm in the home opener of their 2020-21 championship season.

Both teams battled terrible weather conditions but in the end it was two second-half goals that helped the Pioneers (2-1, 1-1 G-MAC) send the Storm (0-2, 0-2 G-MAC) home with a loss. 

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Malone and Lake Erie spent the first 45 minutes of play both feeling each other out and adjusting to the adverse playing environment as wind and a constant rain pelted Bob Commings Field at GlenOak Stadium. 

The Pioneers did get a few looks on goal, but each time the Storm keeper was there for the save. 

At halftime the match was tied 0-0. 

That quickly changed early in the second period. 48:39 into the match, Natalie Martorana received a pass from Amanda Kinsey and put the ball in the back of the net for a goal. For Martorana it was the first goal of her collegiate career. 

Just over five minutes later Lake Erie responded with a goal of their own to tie things up at 1-1.

In the 64th minute of play the Storm committed a foul inside the box which gave the Pioneers a penalty kick. 

Keeley Malley stepped up to take the kick and easily beat Lake Erie's keeper for what would prove to be the game-winning goal. 

Malone's defense turned away every single Lake Erie offensive attack the rest of the away to preserve the 2-1 win. 

PIONEER POINTS

• Jessica Morgan made her first start of the season in goal. She finished with two saves, both coming inside the final 20 minutes of the match. 

• Malone's offense has now scored a G-MAC-leading five goals this season.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Pioneers are in the portion of the schedule that includes five consecutive home matches. Malone will host Walsh University on Saturday afternoon at North Canton Hoover High School. The match is set to begin at 4:30 p.m.