MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College women's soccer team got a pair of first half goals and never looked back as they defeated Bethany College, 3-1, on Wednesday (Sept. 10) evening.  With the victory the Pioneers improve to 2-1-2.  The Bison falls to 0-3.

Marietta came out strong and controlled much of the first half, constantly invading the Bison side of the field. Delilah Vazquez (Pasadena, Calif./Marshall Fundamental) got the Pioneers on the scoreboard in the fifth minute as she sent a perfect, high-arching shot over the outstretched hands of Bethany goalkeeper Hope Fair.  The Pioneers kept up the pressure for the next several minutes but did not add their total until the 11th minute.  Dylin Hundley sent a great pass to Katie Heighberger (LaGrange, Ohio/Saint Joseph Academy) in the box and the freshman did the rest, sending the shot into the net and putting the score at 2-0. Although Marietta outshot Bethany 11 to 3 in the first half, this would be the final score and Marietta took a 2-0 lead into intermission. 
 
Both teams came out quiet in the second half but Marietta still controlled the flow of the game.  In the 78th minute, Kira Korsak (Livermore, Calif./Livermore) added another score off an assist from Alysa Troyan (West Salem, Ohio/Northwestern).  It was not until the 82nd minute that the Bison were able to score, but that was as a result of an own goal that bounced off of a Pioneer defender and into their own net.  Unfortunately, the game was cut short with 5:21 remaining due a severe injury dealt to a Bethany player and the Pioneers finished with a 3-1 victory.
 
"Tonight was a better performance and one we needed," said Marietta head coach Zack Votra. "Our thoughts are with Bethany. We're all hoping the best for their injured player."
 
Haley Dawicke (Newport News, Va./Tabb) got the start in the nets for Marietta and faced a total of eight shots, three of which were on goal, tallying two total saves.

The Pioneers will be back in action Saturday (Sept. 13) when they battle Transylvania University, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.

Fans can follow all of the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.