MC women win 2-0 over Shawnee State in final OAC tune-up

Sept. 28, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College women's soccer team had one final test before it begins its quest toward an Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) championship when it took on NAIA Shawnee State Wednesday (Sept. 28) at Don Drumm Stadium. Two second half goals kept Marietta's unbeaten record alive as it defeated the Bears 2-0.

The Pioneers, who improved to 9-0-1 overall, increased its record to 6-0 at home, setting a new school record for most consecutive home victories. The shutout was also their fourth in a row, one shy of the record for consecutive shutouts, which was set in 2004. Shawnee State fell to 3-8 on the season.

After a scoreless 72 minutes, freshman Amanda Fishburn (Cincinnati/Seton) put the MC fans at ease when she headed a ball into the upper right corner of the net to give the Lady Pioneers a 1-0 advantage. It was Fishburn's first career collegiate goal and was assisted by fellow freshman Allison Williams (Fishers, IN/Hamilton Southeastern).

Williams followed up her assist with a goal of her own in the 86th minute. The score, which was assisted by junior Jill Sorboro (Cuyahoga Falls), was Williams' third of the fall.

Senior keeper Bethany Blahnik (Mansfield/Ontario) continued to deny every shot sent her way, finishing with seven saves en route to her seventh shutout of the season and 30th of her stellar career.

Marietta, the only unbeaten team in the OAC, will get an immediate test Saturday (Oct. 1) when Ohio Northern comes to Marietta Field for both team's league opener. The Polar Bears defeated the Pioneers 1-0 last season.