CANTON, Ohio -- The Malone University women's soccer team closed out the home portion of their 2020-21 championship season on Thursday afternoon by hosting the Ohio Valley University Fighting Scots in a crucial Great Midwest Athletic Conference match. 

The Pioneers (4-2-1, 3-2-1 G-MAC) got a late goal from Madeline Ault to take down the Fighting Scots (2-2-1, 2-2-1) 2-1, and move into a tie for second-place in the G-MAC standings.  

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Battling several periods of lake effect snow that were unfortunately no April Fools' joke, both teams struggled early on to convert on their offensive opportunities. 

Late in the first half the Pioneers broke through. In the 37th minute Malone earned a corner kick. Brooke Lindenschmidt sent a perfect ball into the box that found Anna Schmeltzer. Schmeltzer had no trouble beating the Ohio Valley keeper for the opening goal of the contest. 

The Pioneers outshot the Fighting Scots 4-3 in the first half, but could not find another goal. Malone carried a 1-0 advantage to the halftime break. 

The early portion of the second half was dominated by OVU. The Fighting Scots had two great looks at goal in the 50th and 58th minutes respectively, but both of those opportunites were turned away by Jessica Morgan. 

The Scots did get on the scoreboard in the 74th minute when Nataly Chauta and Sandra Linares connected for the equalizer. 

Just over ten minutes later the Pioneers responded with what would prove to be the game-winner.

Anna Schmeltzer quickly flipped the field, sending a ball through to Madeline Ault on a counterattack. Ault was stopped by the OVU keeper at first, but she collected her rebound and found the back of the net the second time to give Malone a 2-1 advantage.

Malone held that lead for the final five minutes of play to secure their victory. 

PIONEER POINTS

• Ault's goal was her second in as many games, and gives her a team-leading four on the season. That number also leads the G-MAC. 

• Today's win gives the Pioneers 10 points in the G-MAC standings. They are currently tied with Trevecca Nazarene for the second spot in the conference standings. 

• Schmeltzer's goal was her first of the season. That makes seven different players who have contributed to Malone's 11 goals this year. The Pioneers continue to lead the G-MAC in goals scored. 

WHAT'S NEXT?
Malone heads out on the road next week. The Pioneers travel to Tiffin University on April 6 for a 12:00 p.m. kick-off.