Marian goalkeeper Melissa Sturgill was sensational in net, keeping Grace off the board for over 80 minutes in Marian’s 1-0 victory Saturday in the Crossroads League women’s soccer semi-finals. Sturgill would leave the game with a knee injury late in the second half making a save. (Photos by Mike Deak)

WINONA LAKE – Despite 15 shots and a number of near-misses, Grace’s women’s soccer team was unable to find the back of the net on Saturday.

Marian pulled out a 1-0 victory in the Crossroads League Tournament semifinals thanks to an early goal.

Meredith Hollar uncorks a shot for Grace.

The Lady Lancers (14-2-3) miss out on a chance to earn an automatic bid to NAIA Nationals, and they will await the release of the at-large teams on Nov. 16 as they pursue the program’s first NAIA National Championship appearance.

The Knights (12-7-1) stunned Grace with an early goal, netting in the 4th minute unassisted by Kellie Cavanaugh. The goal was Marian’s only attempt of the first 20 minutes of play.

Mallory Rondeau and Meredith Hollar had strong looks in response that were denied. Grace gradually increased its offensive presence and fired off eight shots before halftime.

Maile Grout made an incisive run into the penalty box midway into the first half and passed near goal to Jordan Hairgrove, but the senior’s shot sailed high.

The score remained 1-0 in Marian’s favor at halftime despite an 8-5 advantage in shots and 4-1 advantage in corner kicks for Grace.

Mallory Rondeau of Grace looks for a teammate on the attack.

The second half saw a continued push toward the Knights’ goal. Hollar had a shot saved with one hand off the crossbar 15 minutes into the period. Ten minutes later Meghan Wiles had a deep blast that forced a diving save.

Kristen Bellinger’s free kick produced a few touches by Grace inside the six-yard box, but the Lady Lancers could not convert their chance.

Grace had two more opportunities in the final minutes. Rondeau tried a long, curling shot from 25 yards that brought another acrobatic save by Marian. Rondeau had another attempt with three minutes to play that rolled inches wide of the left post, but the Knights’ net remained unharmed.

For the game Grace outshot Marian 15-7, including seven shots on goal. Rondeau had as many shots (7) as Marian by herself. Wiles and Darcy Johnston had two shots apiece.

Marian’s Melissa Sturgill made five saves in 83 minutes as goalkeeper before departing due to a knee injury. Abby Schue made two saves in 90 minutes for Grace.

Grace defender Meredith Matson clears a ball away from Marian University’s Olivia Annee.