WINONA LAKE, Ind. - The women's soccer match between No. 5 Grace and No. 7 Marian ended in a scoreless draw on Saturday afternoon.
The tie was a fitting result as the two heavyweight teams traded chances across the field at 1st Source Bank Field.
The crowd was filled with Lancer alumni as Grace celebrated its 30th year of existence as a women's soccer program over the weekend. Saturday was Grace College's Homecoming as well.
Statistically, the teams were as even as the scoreboard would suggest. Grace had a narrow 8-7 advantage in shot attempts. The Lancers (9-1-2, 3-0-1 CL) also had a 6-3 edge in corner kicks while possessing over 60 percent of the ball.
The first half was an evenly played affair. Over the first 20 minutes of the first half, Grace had the larger share of possession and attempts.
Annika Finch and Nora Pollock found space for shots that were off the mark.
The Knights (9-0-2, 3-0-1 CL) were unable to record a shot until the 24th minute. Marian gained more chances as the half wore on, however.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, the Knights tried a slow, looping shot that glanced off the crossbar. The rebounded shot also dribbled off the left goalpost, providing Marian's best chances of the half.
Grace and Marian finished the half with four shots apiece. Grace had the only shot on goal of the half as well as three of the four corner kicks. The Lancers owned 60 percent of possession in the first 45 minutes.
The second half saw the physicality grow as the teams battled for a win.
Neither side produced a shot attempt for the first 15 minutes of the second half. Marian earned the first chance with clean shot in the box, but goalkeeper Elaina Clapp made a strong save to deny the shot.
With 20 minutes remaining in the match, Grace began to flex its possession and advance into dangerous positions.
The Lancers generated a series of shots after an extended bout of possession. Heidi Kever and Joya Lienammer had shots off target.
A few minutes later, the Lancers connected on a series of passes in the final third. The final pass connected with Cassidy Felger in the penalty box. Felger's low shot was saved with a fully extended dive by the Knights' goalkeeper.
The game ended without a goal scored, and the teams shared the point and remain tied atop the Crossroads League standings.
Clapp registered three saves to earn the shutout victory. The defensive quartet of Kever, Hollie Robinson, Hannah Medlin and Jaylin Young protected Clapp as well. Kever led all players with three shots fired.
The Lancers will play again on Oct. 10 with a match at Bethel.
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