SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - A second-half goal from Audrey Abel lifted No. 8 Grace's women's soccer team past Lawrence Tech 1-0 on Tuesday.
Tuesday's match was a defensive battle as shots were limited from both sides.
The opening 45 minutes saw Grace keep the ball and move deep into LTU's end of the field.
Grace pinned the Blue Devils back into their half, but the Lancers struggled to create shots. Rosalie Gefrorer had a free kick shot that was partially blocked by the defensive wall, but otherwise, Grace could not generate goal-scoring attempts.
LTU's lone threatening chance of the half was a deep strike off a free kick, which goalkeeper Elaina Clapp parried over the crossbar.
With two minutes to play in the half, Nora Pollock dribbled through several defenders, creating space for a shot along the top edge of the box. But Pollock's attempt went high.
The Lancers had to settle for a 0-0 scoreline as the match reach the halftime intermission.
The second half was a similar story. Grace continued to possess against LTU's defensive formation, repeatedly prodding for an opening.
The goal finally came in the 77th minute. Heidi Kever and Annika Finch connected on the left sideline. Finch calmly dribbled into the box and picked out a pass to Abel, who hit her left-footed shot low and past the goalkeeper.
Grace worked hard to add an insurance goal. Rylee Burns proved to be a menace along the sideline over the final 10 minutes. She provided several dangerous crosses as well as a sharp, low shot that was saved.
But while the Lancers could not score again, Grace's defense limited LTU from mounting a response.
The Blue Devils had five shots, four of which were saved by Clapp. Grace (6-1-1) posted its fifth shutout of the season.
Next up, the Lancers will transition to Crossroads League play for the rest of the regular season. Grace will host St. Francis on Sept. 23 at 1st Source Bank Field at 7 p.m.
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