MARION, Ind. - For the first time this year, Grace's women's soccer team came up on the short end of the scoreboard.

The Lancers (9-1-1, 1-1-1 Crossroads League) dropped a narrow 1-0 match at No. 17 Indiana Wesleyan on Wednesday.

The Wildcats' goal in the 73rd minute was all that separated the two conference foes in a fierce battle.

Grace began the game positively, almost completely limiting any chances for the Wildcats (7-2-2, 2-0-1 CL). 

IWU needed 18 minutes of action to record its first off-target shot, and the Wildcats had only that one shot to their tally through the first 28 minutes.

The Lancers, on the other hand, fired off three shots in a six-minute span, including a pair of attempts from Rosalie Gefrorer.

IWU's offense was at its most dangerous to end the half with three shots and a corner over the closing 10 minutes.

But neither side could find a go-ahead goal in the first 45 minutes as the match was scoreless at the intermission.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Grace produced a series of chances on the Wildcats' goal.

Cassidy Felger shot high in the 61st minute, which was followed quickly by two corner kicks. 

In the 64th minute, Madelief Lowik had a shot that was saved.

Four minutes later, two quick attempts from Abby Hodkin and Rylee Burns were also thwarted.

The Wildcats responded just five minutes afterwards with the decisive moment. Mackenzie Minney produced the game's only goal in the 73rd minute. It was IWU's first shot in nearly 20 minutes of play.

Grace struggled to find a response on offense and had to settle for the defeat.

IWU held a slight 10-8 advantage in shot attempts in the match. Sofia Williams made three saves in goal for Grace.

The Lancers remain on the road Saturday for another ranked match. Grace will travel to No. 10 Marian for a 2 p.m. showdown with the Knights.