INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Grace's women's soccer team was unable to take down the NAIA's No. 3-ranked team on the road.

The No. 18 Lady Lancers lost 2-0 at No. 3 Marian on Saturday; the Knights managed to break a 0-0 halftime deadlock with a pair of goals after halftime.

The teams played to a scoreless draw through 50 minutes of action. Shots were few and far between in the first half. The teams accounted for just seven shots before halftime.

Grace had a golden opportunity 15 minutes into the match. JJ Aalbue and Marlene Menzel combined for a quick attack, and Aalbue led Menzel behind MU's defenders into a 1-on-1 chance with the Knights' goalkeeper. But Menzel's shot was off the mark, leaving the match scoreless.

With 15 minutes remaining, Aalbue tried a free kick that went wide. She tried another deep shot five minutes later that was saved.

Neither side took an attempt over the final eight minutes as the scoreless match went into halftime.

Marian began the second half aggressively with four shots in the opening five minutes. The fourth shot took advantage of a lapse in Grace's defense, bouncing off the goalpost and into the net for the game's first goal.

Grace had chances at an equalizer, notably shots from Aalbue and Menzel.

After Aalbue was fouled on an advance, Grace had another strong chance after a free kick. Lea Moessinger nearly scored with a header that forced a diving save. The rebound resulted in another shot in the penalty box that was saved by a Knight defender.

The Knights seized control of the match with their second goal in the 74th minute, scoring off a cross into the box.

Grace did its best to respond in the final portion of the game. The Lady Lancers had three shots and a pair of corner kicks over the final five minutes, but the Knights held firm to prevent a late comeback.

"Our crew demonstrated today that we have the work rate and quality for a match of this caliber. We contained any first-half danger and created opportunities to finish. They just didn't go today," said Grace head coach Michael Voss. "After conceding by our own mistake, the women responded appropriately. We were dangerous and should have netted twice. We need to finish the chances we create in matches like this. I'm proud of our crew, and we know our capabilities and will dial it in."

The Lady Lancers return home for a pair of matches next week. Grace will host St. Francis on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and No. 2 Spring Arbor on Saturday. Saturday's match will be the climax of Grace's Homecoming weekend with kickoff slated for 1:30 p.m. at 1st Source Bank Field.