MC's Knowlton does in Wilmington again; Pioneers win 1-0
Knowlton scores overtime goal to keep Marietta without a loss

Oct. 5, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio – The Wilmington women's soccer team, which has historically found tremendous success in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), would very happy never to cross path's with Marietta's Emilee Knowlton (Marietta) on the soccer field ever again. For the second straight year, Knowlton has led the Lady Pioneers to a 1-0 victory over the Quakers.

A year ago, a Knowlton goal in the 59th minute gave MC a 1-0 victory and handed the Quakers just their fifth OAC loss since they joined the league in 2000. This season, the stakes were a little higher and the result was slightly more sweet.

On Wednesday (Oct. 5) evening, the senior broke a scoreless tie five minutes into overtime with a goal, extending Marietta's unbeaten streak to 12 games.

With the win, Marietta improved its record to 11-0-1 overall and 2-0 in the OAC, while Wilmington fell to 4-7 overall and 0-2 in league play.

The two teams battled for 90 minutes without either cracking the scoreboard. It looked as if nothing was going to change during overtime until the Pioneers earned their first corner kick of the night midway through the first extra period.

The corner kick, which was taken by junior Jill Sorboro (Cuyahoga Falls), was set up by Knowlton's two shots to open overtime. Sorboro's kick found the head of Knowlton and was then directed past the Quaker keeper into the back of the net 94:52 into the game, beginning the celebration for the visiting Pioneers. It was Knowlton's fourth goal and Sorboro's team-high sixth of the year.

Overall, Marietta was out shot 12-10. Senior goal keeper Bethany Blahnik (Mansfield/Ontario) continued her dominance, collecting eight saves en route to her eighth shutout of the season.

The Pioneers will return home to gear up for a key OAC contest with Heidelberg Saturday (Oct. 8) at 3 p.m. on Marietta Field. Marietta will look to avenge a disheartening 2-1 loss to the Student Princes a year ago and stay in control of the race for the OAC crown.