WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's women's soccer team knocked down No. 9 Indiana Wesleyan on the road Wednesday in a marquee victory.

Danae Moriarty provided the winning moment, scoring the lone goal during the Lady Lancers' 1-0 victory.

The win locks the Lady Lancers (10-3-2, 5-2-1 Crossroads League) into a top-four finish in the league standings. They also handed the Wildcats (13-1-2, 6-1-1 CL) their first defeat of the year.

Grace can bump up to No. 3 in the league with a win on Saturday and another loss by IWU. Grace's regular season finale on Saturday is at Mt. Vernon Nazarene.

The first half saw balanced action across both teams. Grace had the first opportunity when Moriarty's attempt was blocked.

IWU countered with a trio of shots in a five-minute span with none being on target.

The Lady Lancers' offense picked up momentum as the half wore on. Grace generated chances from Ashley VandenBoom, JJ Aalbue, Lea Fricke and Marlene Menzel.

Moriarty also tried a shot in the closing minutes of the half to no avail.

Grace ended the half strongly as the Wildcats were unable to find a shot attempt over the final 18 minutes of the half.

The teams entered halftime scoreless. Each side tried six shots in the half. None of IWU's shots were on goal.

Even fewer shots were fired off in the second half. Only one shot was taken over the first 14 minutes after halftime as the teams sought the go-ahead moment.

With 20 minutes to go, Grace began to assert control of the match. The Lady Lancers' possession began to wear down the Wildcats' physical play, enabling Grace to move the ball at will.

Grace's increased possession also produced several dangerous moments. The first came from Kailey Burrell, who broke free from a defender and launched a shot that was pushed above the crossbar by IWU's goalkeeper.

On the ensuing corner kick, Lucy Schmitt played a header across the face of goal. Lea Fricke fired a quick shot at goal that was also saved in the box.

The winning goal came in the 81st minute. Aalbue made a strong charge along the left side of the field, beating multiple IWU defenders.

Aalbue's cross squeezed through the penalty box and fell to Moriarty, who poked her shot past the goalkeeper.

The Wildcats had little opportunities for a late equalizer; Grace's possession practically eliminated any chance. IWU only had one shot over the final 14 minutes as Grace ended the match in control.

Sofia Lerro registered the high-profile shutout, making two saves to blank the Wildcats. She made a strong save in the first half, parrying a cross from a corner kick away from the goal frame.

Lerro was protected well by Erin Crew, Lilli Oberhoff, Schmitt, Luna Gianotti and Simone Castaneda.

The Lady Lancers are guaranteed to host a quarterfinal match on Nov. 5 in next week's Crossroads League Tournament.