Oct. 26, 2008

Box Score

MILWAUKEE, Wis.—The Pitt women’s soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision to Marquette on Sunday afternoon at Valley Fields. Despite a first half that featured four shots on goal, the Panthers fell short in their final contest of the regular season. With the loss, Pitt fell to 7-11-1 overall and 4-6-1 in conference play, while Marquette improved its record to 10-6-3 and 6-3-2.

The Panthers clinched fifth place in the American Division and qualified for their third BIG EAST Championship appearance over the last four seasons. The berth marks Pitt’s first appearance in the postseason since 2006. Pitt begins tournament play at Louisville on Thursday, Oct. 30. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.

The Golden Eagles jumped out to an early 1-0 lead with a shot by forward Ashley Bares. In the seventh minute, a strike from Bares that hit the crossbar deflected into the goal.

Pitt answered with an offensive onslaught that featured four shots in just six minutes, but Marquette goalkeeper Natalie Kulla stopped Pitt’s scoring opportunities taken by Laura Berbert and Liz Carroll. Pitt’s Katelyn Ruhe also contributed two shots that missed the net.

In the 26^th minute, Marquette’s Danielle Martens increased the Golden Eagles’ lead. Marquette collected a through ball from Bares and fired into the net to give Marquette its 2-0 advantage.

Despite two additional shots on goal taken by Ruhe and Ashley Habbel, the Panthers entered halftime trailing Marquette 2-0.

Pitt attempted to even the score in the second period, but the Golden Eagles blocked a shot taken by Molly Griganavicius. A later strike from midfielder Katie Caslin soared wide.

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