BISMARCK, ND – One decisive bounce of the ball delivered a heartbreaking blow to the University of Mary women's soccer team in their home opener. Less than three minutes into overtime, visiting Augustana scored the game's lone goal in a 1-0 Vikings win over the Marauders.
 
After a scoreless opening 90- minutes, the Vikings (5-1-1 / 4-0 NSIC) generated the first scoring opportunity in the opening extra session. Triggering a corner kick from the near side of the field, Augie's Peyton Stenzel served the ball into the six yard box on the near side. Marauders goalkeeper Madisyn Waltman rushed off her line and fought through traffic in an effort to punch the ball away. Just before Waltman reached the spot, Augie forward Riley Klose headed the ball and redirected its path from the corner kick into the net for the game-winner in the 93^rd minute of play.
 
It was another difficult loss for the Marauders (2-3-1 / 1-2-1 Northern Sun), who fell on a goal at Minot State University in the final minutes of play and dropped a decision to Nebraska Kearney when the lone goal of the game was scored inside the opening three minutes on a Lopers penalty kick.
 
A hard-fought game, both defenses took center stage. The Marauders allowed the Vikings to take just five total shots in the game with four on frame. UMary generated 11 shots with six on frame.
 
Both teams posted just two shots on goal in the second half. One of the best scoring opportunities for the Marauders was a blast by Lisa Swärdh in the 70^th minute. Directed just under the crossbar, Vikings goaltender Claudia Pueschner punched the ball over the crossbar to keep the game deadlocked.
 
Waltman finished with three saves for the Marauders. Pueschner had six saves on the night.
 
The Marauders return to action on Sunday, Sept. 23, against Wayne State College. Game time is 1 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
 
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