PEPPER PIKE, Ohio - In a key Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) match for the Malone University women's soccer team, the Pioneers defeated Ursuline College by a score of 2-1. Malone is now two points out of a postseason berth at 5-6-2 overall and 4-5-1 in conference play. The Arrows fall to 3-8-1 and 1-7-1.
 
The first half was scoreless on both sides as the conference opponents attempted to feel one another out. Ursuline held a slight advantage in shots at 8-5, but goalkeeper Amelia Henderhan made five first half saves to keep the game level. Brynn Mowrer, Morgan Kandel and Camryn Emerling had shots on-goal in the first 45 minutes of play.
 
Malone was quick to erase the zero on the scoreboard in the second half when Kandel was played in at the top of the 18-yard box. She buried one into the back of the net in the 51st minute to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage. The Pioneers stayed on the attack, but a counter punch thrown by the Arrows allowed them to draw even in the 66th minute.
 
The game-winning goal came from Gracie Ashton after she dribbled up the far side of the pitch and delivered a strike passed the opposing goalkeeper to get back ahead in the 77th minute. The Malone defense stood tall in the closing minutes to secure the victory and important three points. The backline negated an opportunity off a corner kick in the 81st minute and Henderhan recorded a save in the 84th minute to seal the deal.
 
Henderhan (5-6-2) totaled seven saves and played all 90 minutes along with Emerling, Abby Blaz and Aubree Mellana. The Pioneers had one more shot than the Arrows at 14-13, but Ursuline had more shots on-goal at 8-6.
 
The final home match of the regular season will be played on Thursday, October 23 against Ohio Dominican University. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 P.M.