WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Marietta College women's soccer faced its toughest test of the season Wednesday (Oct. 20) afternoon when it visited #4 Otterbein University. The Pioneers battled the Ohio Athletic Conference leaders for 90 minutes but fell 2-0. [Box Score]

Otterbein (13-0-1, 6-0 OAC) pressured the defense of Marietta (2-12-2, 0-5-1 OAC) from start to finish by unleashing 32 total shots, including 15 on goal.

The Pioneers, however, kept the Cardinals off the scoreboard except for a five minute period early in the second half. Otterbein came out of the scoreless intermission and quickly took a 1-0 advantage when Tara Smith scored in the 47th minute on a header following header to header passes from Rachel Degen and Jenny Knox.

Cristen Herold added to the Cardinal lead in the 51st minute when she received a cross from Molly Kroger and headed the ball into the back of the net.

Marietta's defense, anchored by freshman #Kaitlyn Pearse (Galena/Olentangy Orange)# who made 13 saves, regrouped and held Otterbein without another goal the rest of the way.

Freshman #Mattie Stowell (Ashtabula/Lakeside)# registered Marietta's only shot in the 86th minute, but it was saved by Tara Carter to preserve the shutout.

The Pioneers return to action Saturday (Oct. 23) night when they visit Heidelberg University for a kickoff at 7 p.m.