YORK, Pa. – The Marymount (Va.) University women's soccer team traveled up to York College of Pennsylvania on a rain-filled Saturday afternoon, dropping a close 1-0 decision in the Capital Athletic Conference tilt.  

Taking the start between the pipes for the first 45 minutes was junior Sydney Schultz, who was put to work early in the match by the Spartan offense. In the third minute, a cross that was redirected off a header had Schultz diving out for her first save of the contest. 

Just a few minutes later, she was at it again. Another cross, this time on the ground, came to the feet of a Spartan in the middle of the 18-yard box. Keeping it low, York's Alyssa Rankin went left on the shot, but Schultz fell on top of the attempt again to keep the match scoreless. 

In the 15th minute, York capitalized on an opportunity to take the 1-0 advantage. A shot by a Spartan inside the 18 was deflected off a Saint defender. Unfortunately, the deflection rolled to the back post where York's Caitlin Rankin was waiting for the quick finish. 

By the 24th minute, Marymount found itself with a great chance to draw the match even following a foul on the Spartans inside the 18. Senior Chloe McAuliffe stepped up for the penalty kick, sending in a low left shot. However, Spartan goalkeeper Brittany Cullison guessed the right direction on the shot, diving out for the save to keep York out front. 

The score would hold at 1-0 in favor of the Spartans at the break, as the goalkeepers changed for the second 45 minutes, seeing senior April Westmark move between the posts. 

Westmark pulled in her first save at the 67:20 mark, sparking some offense on the other end. Pushing the ball into Spartan territory, a foul was drawn awarding the Saints a free kick roughly 20 yards out on the left side of the field. Stepping up for the attempt, who has scored twice this season off free kicks, was freshman Courtney Stephens. The Wisconsin native almost did it again, sending in a great ball to the top right corner of the goal, but a diving graze off the outstretched hands of the keeper was enough to deflect the ball off the crossbar and out of contention. Senior Kirsten Campbell closed in on the deflection, but her attempt went just wide of the target. 

The Saints managed two more shots in the half, but the Spartans would hold out on the defensive end for the 1-0 decision 

The women will remain on the road for their next match, traveling to Wesley College on Wednesday, October 5 for another CAC matchup. First touch is scheduled for 7 p.m.