ST. PAUL, Minn. - Defense has been what's sparked the Grinnell College and Macalester College women's soccer teams this fall, and that played out again Tuesday night.

After the hosts struck for two quick goals in the early going, it was a defensive battle the rest of the way as Macalester hung on for the 2-0 win.

The teams combined for just 17 shots, nine in the first half and eight in the second. Each team had five shots on goal, with Macalester (10-3-2) making two of its count with goals in the ninth and 16th minutes.

Grinnell's shot distribution was spread out, with one each by Keiko Smith '25, Jill Paladino '23, Jane March '24, Giada Bambi '25, Francesca Dalla Betta '22, Alyssa Radakovich '22 and Julia Sheehan-Klenk '23.

Macalester won the overall shots battle 10-7, and keeper Elinor Arneson '23 recorded three saves on the night for Grinnell (2-11-2).

Grinnell closes out its home slate Saturday when Ripon College visits Springer Field. The 11 a.m. contest will also serve as the Pioneers' Senior Day.