Defense Aids in Bethel's 3-1 Upset Over No. 8 Marian

MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- It was a cold and crisp Tuesday night as the Bethel Pilots (7-5-1, 3-3-0) hosted the NAIA eighth-ranked Marian Knights for a match postponed due to poor weather conditions at Morey Field.

The Knights took possession early, forcing three back-to-back corners in the tenth minute, but the Pilot back line held off the attack at the baseline.

After taking possession, Bethel broke the silence with Giulia Franco launching a deep through ball to connect with Chloe Crompton, who found Audrey Learch in front of the net for a header to go into halftime 1-0.

Marian drew a free kick in the 50th minute, and the Knights battled in the box, but a loose ball drew Jael Schubert over, which led to Katie Koger's goal to tie the match 1-1.

Six minutes later, Leena Thomas connected with Franco, who shot on the first touch and curved it in to re-take the lead 2-1.

Audrey Lerch broke away on a 3-on-1 matchup to set up a clear shot, feinting to the right and finding the back of the net to seal the Pilot victory. 

Sophomore keeper Jael Schubert saw eight shots on frame for the Knights, and she saved seven of them, including some tough looks inside the box and free kicks.

The Pilots jumped Marian in the Crossroads League standings to fifth, just under Taylor, who sits in fourth place, which would allow Bethel to host the quarterfinal of the Crossroads League tournament if they were to succeed.

SCORING SUMMARY

36'| Audrey Lerch, assisted by Chloe Crompton

50'| Katie Koger, unassisted

56'| Giulia Franco, assisted by Leena Thomas

83'| Audrey Lerch, unassisted

NEXT TIME OUT

The Pilots travel to Goshen, Ind., to take on the Goshen College Maple Leafs, who are 0-5-1 in Crossroads League play and 5-7-3 on the season. Bethel currently leads the series at 11-4-1 since 2006 and is 6-0-1 in Goshen.

For the latest information on each of Bethel University's 31 intercollegiate athletic teams, visit BUPilots.com or follow the Pilots on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @BUPilots or on YouTube at /BethelSportsNetwork.