WINONA, Minn. – Winona State University put together a late comeback bid on Friday evening at the University of Mary, but it wasn't enough as the Marauders escaped with a 2-1 win on their home field to put an end to the Warriors' four-game winning streak.
UMary took a page out of WSU's book as the Marauders came out of the gate with early momentum, firing three shots in the first 12 minutes of the match to set the tone offensively. Just before halftime, the Marauders executed a successful corner kick as Caitlin Dooley connected on a header, beating the Warrior goalkeeper.
Winona State upped the offensive pressure in the second half by uncorking 14 shots after being limited to just one in the first half of play. Melissa Greco had an opportunity to tie the game early in the frame, but her penalty kick went just wide of the net.
UMary added its second goal shortly after the missed penalty kick which proved to be the game-winner. The Warriors defense held the home team to just two shots in the second half, but the Marauders made the most of it.
Facing a two-goal deficit, the Warriors did not back down and continued their attack for the duration of the contest. WSU rattled off five shots in a four-minute span but continued to be denied by the Marauders.
Late in the match, Georgette Topalis connected on a header off a corner kick assist from Bridget Doran to slash the UMary lead to one with just over seven minutes remaining in regulation. With seconds to go, Abby Bohanski almost forced overtime, but was turned away by another save from the Marauder keeper.
Winona State's freshman goalie Yanel Ortiz suffered her first career loss while allowing the first two goals of her career while making her fourth start after posting shutouts in the first three.
Winona State falls to 6-6-1 (6-5-1 NSIC) with the loss while UMary improves to 6-6-2 (5-5-2 NSIC). The Warriors fall back two spots in the NSIC standings and are now currently sitting in sixth place.
The Warriors returns to the pitch on Sunday to face Minot State at 12 p.m.
