WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's No. 16-ranked women's soccer team and No. 13 Columbia played neck-and-neck with each other in a Top-25 showdown on Saturday.

A brief lapse in judgment by Grace's defending was the only difference as Columbia escaped with a 1-0 win.

The teams were practically even in every statistical category. The Cougars had a slight 7-6 edge in shots while Grace had a 3-2 advantage in shots on goal.

The match began with a midfield battle. The two highly-ranked teams were patient in attack as they searched for an opening.

The first shot attempt of the match did not occur until 19 minutes had expired. The Cougars tried a shot from a tight angle that went well wide of the net.

The first truly threatening moment of the match resulted in the only goal. Grace was dispossessed in the backfield, and the Cougars scored moments afterward with a 1v1 with Grace's goalkeeper.

The Lady Lancers possessed the ball effectively but struggled to connect passes in Columbia's end of the field.

Grace was unable to generate a shot attempt before halftime despite keeping a comfortable percentage of possession. Columbia had just two shot attempts, including the goal.

Grace began the second half with intent and almost scored immediately. Sam Vondersaar had a close-range shot blocked by Columbia's goalkeeper. On the ensuing loose ball, Tori Calizo tried a shot in the box that went above the crossbar.

The next 20 minutes reverted back to a midfield battle. The teams took turns venturing into their attacking third of the field, but neither Grace nor Columbia was able to sustain a lengthy stay in dangerous territory.

Ashley Vandenboom and Lea Moessinger had shots on goal saved during the middle portions of the half.

In the 78th minute, Alexis Larimore attempted two threatening shots in a one-minute span, but each try was just off-target.

Larimore's last shot at the 78:21 mark was the final shot attempt of the match for either team. The Cougars absorbed Grace's pressure and held Grace at bay until the final whistle.

"This was a disappointing result for us as this was a reachable game. Our ladies prepared well in training, but our quality did not translate on the field today," said Grace head coach Michael Voss. "Positively, we are still playing deep into our rotations and developing new players, and we should gain a few players back this week. Our women have great work ethic, intelligence and heart. This is a great group with high potential."

The Lady Lancers have officially wrapped up nonconference play. Grace's first Crossroads League match is at home on Saturday, Sept. 25, against No. 7 Marian.