GRINNELL, Iowa – Defense has what the Grinnell College women's soccer team has hung its hat on in the 2021 campaign, and that was evident again Sunday afternoon in a matchup with the 18
th-ranked team in the nation.
The Pioneers again and again turned away attacks by the potent Wartburg College offense in a 3-0 loss to the Knights at Springer Field.
Wartburg scored two goals in the first 13 minutes, one in the third minute and the other in the 13
th off a corner kick. Then Grinnell's defense stepped up, holding the Knights off the board the rest of the half.
In the second stanza, the lone scoring came on a penalty kick by Wartburg (8-1-1) under two minutes in.
Grinnell starting keeper
Elinor Arneson '23 had seven saves while working the first half, while
Hannah Malicky '22 contributed several stellar saves among her total of five in the second half.
Jill Paladino '23 had Grinnell's shot in the contest.
Grinnell (2-8) has a key Midwest Conference matchup Tuesday when it plays at Cornell College, the league's preseason favorite. Kickoff in Mount Vernon is slated for 4:30 p.m.