WINONA LAKE, Ind. - The Crossroads League Tournament ended on Friday night for Grace's women's soccer team.
The No. 2 Lancers fell 3-1 to No. 6 Marian in the tournament semifinals.
Grace led 1-0 with 40 minutes remaining, but the Knights rattled off three goals before regulation to claim the come-from-behind victory.
The Lancers jumped into strong bouts of possession to begin the game. Grace seemed to manage the rainy conditions well, passing the ball around the Knights' midfield.
Grace produced a series of shots from range as a result of the team's possession attack. Ellie Grieser, Rosalie Gefrorer and Audrey Abel each had shots that were denied.
Midway into the half, Grace produced the first game-changing moment. The Lancers moved the ball into a dangerous position. Nora Pollock's cross connected with Abby Hodkin in the box. Hodkin's shot bounced off the goalpost, and the ball fell to Audrey Abel who slotted the loose ball into the empty net in the 27th minute.
Marian jumped into action in response, picking up its intensity. But Grace's defense largely kept Marian out of scoring position. Grace more than doubled up Marian in shot attempts before halftime.
The match reached halftime with Grace leading 1-0. The Lancers had nine shots with four on goal; the Knights were held to four shots and one shot on goal.
Grace owned unofficially 58 percent of the possession in the first half.
While Grace won the first half, the second half was a different story.
The Knights received an early break five minutes into the second half. A deep shot from Marian slipped through Grace's gloves and dribbled into the back of the net, tying the score with 40 minutes remaining in the match.
Matters got worse in the 68th minute. Grace was called for a foul in the box after a video-assisted review. The Knights took advantage, scoring the penalty kick to grab a stunning 2-1 lead.
Grace did its best to counter, but Marian prevented the Lancers from gaining momentum.
The Knights added an insurance goal in the 74th minute, and Grace was unable to muster a response.
Marian finished the match ahead 10-9 on shots. Grace had a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
The Lancers will await its spot in the 2026 NAIA National Championships. Grace is hopeful for a home game in the NAIA Opening Rounds. The national tournament field will be released on Friday, Nov. 13.
