BEAVER FALLS, Pa. — The Marietta College women's soccer team overcame a one-goal halftime deficit to post a 2-1 victory over host Geneva College Wednesday (Sept. 2) in the Pioneers' season opener at the Merriman Complex. [Box Score]

Marietta out shot Geneva 17-12 overall, including 9-8 in shots on goal. The Pioneers finished with three corner kicks, while the Golden Tornadoes had two in the game.

The match-up was scoreless through the first 28 minutes until Geneva's Elise Mann gave her squad a 1-0 advantage. Mann managed to evade a defender at the top of the box and chipped a ball over Marietta senior keeper Jenna Freeman (Bay Village, Bay). Freeman got a hand on it but could not prevent the shot from finding its way across the goal line for the score.

The Pioneers evened the score shortly after halftime when sophomore midfielder Tessa Harlow (Whitehouse, Anthony Wayne) scored in the 60th minute. Sophomore forward Christina Tirpak (Galena, Olentangy) found Harlow open on the right side, and she took one touch before firing it past the keeper to tie the game at 1-1.

Five minutes later, sophomore midfielder Chelsea Hennen (Wheeling, W.Va., The Linsly School) set up the game-winning goal with a thru ball that found senior forward Christi Tims (Olmsted Township, Olmsted Falls) open at the top of the 18. Tims followed the pass with a left-footed shot to the far post for the 2-1 win.

Freeman picked up the victory with a strong 90-minute effort in goal. Freeman made seven saves in the win. Lauren Londino matched her with seven saves in a losing effort.

The Pioneers are back in action on Saturday (Sept. 5) morning when they open the 2009 Marietta Soccer Classic with a game against Bluffton at 10 a.m. St. Vincent (Pa.) will then take on Wooster in the second opening round game at 2 p.m. The consolation game and championship game are slated for Sunday (Sept. 6) at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. All of the action will take place at Marietta Field.