WINONA LAKE, Ind. - A strong performance by Grace's women's soccer team was undone with a late goal on Wednesday.

No. 8 Spring Arbor survived Grace's upset bid, scoring in the 86th minute to win 1-0.

The match began with fast-paced action at both ends of the field. Spring Arbor tried a shot in the first minute only to see Grace earn a corner kick and a headed effort in the penalty box from Jaylin Young.

Ten minutes into the match, Rylee Burns used her speed to create space on the right side of the field. Burns's low shot was pushed wide by the Cougars' goalkeeper.

The middle portions of the half saw fierce battles for possession with each team grinding out advances toward goal.

Late in the half, a string of accurate passes allowed Grace to reach SAU's box. Lilli Oberhoff had enough space to shoot from outside the penalty box, but her attempt was off the mark.

SAU's best chance was another deep shot that clipped the top of the crossbar.

The Cougars tried to turn up the offensive pressure to find a late goal in the half, producing two shots and a corner kick.

But Grace remained firm, and the match reached halftime deadlocked at 0-0.

In the second half, the Lancers were in the driver's seat. Grace possessed the ball consistently, keeping the Cougars in their half of the field.

The Lancers' ball control gave the Cougars very little time on offense, allowing Grace to make several forays into dangerous territory.

Grace's best chance in the second half came on a dribble from Rosalie Gefrorer. Gefrorer tried a volley in the box, but her effort was denied.

Oberhoff tried a long free kick after Grace was fouled, but her shot went high of the goal.

SAU had just a few chances to advance toward Grace's goal in the second half, and the Cougars managed to score on one of those cases. SAU sent a high cross into the penalty box. The ball ricocheted twice, falling to a Cougar striker who volleyed the shot into the net at the 85:14 mark.

Grace was unable to find a dramatic late equalizer over the final four minutes, and SAU held on for the narrow victory.

Ivy Cline made two saves as Grace's goalkeeper.

The Lancers will be on the road for the team's next two outings, including Saturday at Huntington and Oct. 26 against Goshen.

Grace's next home match is the regular season finale when Grace hosts Bethel on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.