MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College women's soccer team couldn't overcome a 2-0 halftime deficit and lost to Muskingum University by the score of 2-1 Wednesday afternoon. The Pioneers drop to 1-11-1 overall and 0-4 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Muskingum moves to 5-9, 1-3 OAC. [Box Score]

Although the rains had stopped by kickoff, the wet playing conditions played a part in the Muskies' first goal of the match. Junior defender Noelle Kleppel shot from 25 yards out and the wet ball slipped through the hands of the Marietta goalkeeper for the goal in the 34th minute.

Muskingum doubled their lead in the 41st minute when freshman Kara Opryszko's follow-up shot found the back of the net. Opryszako's shot was the third in a mad scramble directly in front of the Marietta goal. The Pioneers managed to block the first two shots, but the third time was the charm for Muskingum.

After the intermission, the Pioneers came out and dominated play in the second period. Marietta would take nine shots in the second half to just one for Muskingum. The Pioneers also held a 7-0 edge in corner kicks after the break.

Just under 13 minutes into the second period, Marietta cut the lead in half. Junior defender #Holly Simms (Pickerington/North)# sent a cross to the far post where senior defender #Jennifer Wilder (Ashland/Ashland)# one-timed the ball into the lower left corner for the score. It was Wilder's third goal of the season.

The Pioneers had several nice runs in the period but Muskingum junior goalkeeper Sara Poling didn't allow the equalizer. Poling ended the match with seven saves. Marietta's sophomore keeper #Kaitlyn Pearse (Galena/Olentangy Orange)# had three saves on the day.

For the match, Marietta took 16 shots, eight on goal, and eight corner kicks. Muskingum tallied nine shots, five on goal, and took four corners.

Marietta is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Wilmongton College for a 5 p.m. match.