BOURBONNAIS, Ill. - Grace's women's soccer team came up short playing away from home against Missouri Valley on Monday.

In a battle of teams who are receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll, Grace fell to the Vikings 1-0.

Grace is in the midst of a three-game stretch on the road against ranked opponents. The Lancers will take on No. 7 Aquinas on Saturday in Michigan to wrap up the nonconference portion of their schedule.

Grace began Monday's match with several good opportunities. The Lancers threatened deep in the Vikings' territory in the opening minutes, resulting in shots from Rosalie Gefrorer and Ellie Grieser.

But Grace came up empty on its chances, and the Vikings made them pay.

Missouri Valley scored on a headed goal in the 16th minute, a moment that proved to be the difference in the match.

The rest of the half was a midfield battle with only two more shots being attempted before halftime.

In the second half, the Vikings earned more shot attempts. But Grace's defense remained stout. Missouri Valley shot four times in the first nine minutes with two of those being saved by Sofia Williams.

The Lancers still had good bouts of possession in the second half, but Grace struggled to find the finishing touch. The Lancers tried a handful of shots in the second half, but none could find the back of the net.

Grace's final shot came in the 84th minute off an attempt from Jasmin Slump.

Williams finished the match with seven saves in 90 minutes. Gefrorer led Grace's attack with two shot attempts.