MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College women's soccer team used a second-half score from
Shelby Carr (Pataskala, Ohio/Liberty Christian Academy) and a standout five-save shutout from goalkeeper
Francesca Agliolo (San Gabriel, Calif./Mayfield Senior) to soar to a 1-0 victory over Wilmington College on Saturday (Oct. 10) afternoon at Marietta Field. With the OAC conference win, the Pioneers improve to 4-6-2 overall and 1-1-0 in conference play, while the Quakers fall to 5-5-2 and 1-2-0 in the OAC.
"It was a really great effort all around," said Marietta head coach
Zack Votra. "We're banged up and still found a way to grind out a crucial 3 points. Really proud of this team right now."
The first half proved to be a defensive battle, with Wilmington pressing early and forcing Agliolo into three key saves. The Quakers threatened midway through the opening 45 minutes when Avery Minteer hit the crossbar in the 31st minute, followed immediately by two back-to-back shots by Jordan Snyder. Marietta's defense held firm, sending both squads into the intermission deadlocked at 0-0.
Marietta turned up the pressure out of halftime, earning early second-half corner kicks and testing Wilmington goalkeeper Emma Storck with multiple shots on frame from
Jaylyn Thornton (Pataskala, Ohio/Watkins Memorial). Thornton set up the game-winning play in the 64th-minute, sending a shot that was initially stopped. Carr got the rebound and sent the ball into the empty net, converting her second goal of the season to give Marietta a 1-0 lead at the 63:46 mark.
Wilmington pushed for an equalizer in the final 20 minutes, earning late corner kicks and generating shots by Delaney Benjamin, Jaice Neumaier, and Lindsey Bauer. However, Agliolo and the Pioneer backline shut down every attack to secure the clean sheet.
Agliolo played all 90 Minutes in the nets and earned her fourth shutout on the season.
The Pioneers will next play this Wednesday (Oct. 14) evening as they will welcome in the University of Mount Union for a conference clash. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start time.
Fans can follow all 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.
