Bison Women's Soccer Drops Home Opener

By: Lauren Simpson, Sports Information Student Assistant
Sept. 5 – BETHANY, W. Va. – The Bethany College women's soccer team fell to Marietta in their home opener 3-0 Monday afternoon.

Through the first 23 minutes of the opening half, Marietta out-shot the Bison 7-2, with neither team able to find the back of the net. However, in the 34th minute, the Pioneers' Raeli Barnes ended the stalemate when she received a pass just in front of the six-yard box with a Bison defender right with her, she spun and was able to place it past the keeper. 

However, the Bison had a strong showing throughout the rest of the first half.  The Green & White defense was solid, holding the Pioneers to one goal on 12 shots, thanks in part to junior goal keeper Anna Riddle (Mt. Pleasant, Pa./Mt. Pleasant), who recorded three saves in the first period. 

The second-half saw the Pioneers take a three-goal advantage. 

Eleven minutes into the second half, Marietta scored on a touch shot over the goalie's head from the 18-yard box to put them up by two goals.

Just a minute later, senior Brittany Fullbright (Wadsworth, Ohio / Wadsworth) was looking to get the Bison back within one but her shot flew wide. 

Several minutes later after a Bethany yellow card, Marietta netted their third and final goal just outside of the 18-yard box after Riddle confronted the shot-taker.

The Green and White got off several strong scoring attempts in the 10 minutes, but were unable to capitalize.

Riddle recorded eight saves in the game with defender Julie Slezak (Latrobe, Pa. / Greater Latrobe) putting two shots on goal to lead Bethany.

Next, the Bison travel to Franciscan on Wednesday, Sept. 7 to take on the Barons at 5 p.m. They are back at home Saturday, Sept. 10 to host Defiance at 1 p.m.