WINONA LAKE - Playing against a high-octane offense, the Grace College women's soccer team almost came back from a 2-0 halftime deficit but lost to Cornerstone 3-1 at Miller Field Tuesday.

Cornerstone entered the game after posting a 6-0 exhibition victory and an 8-1 win in its season opener. It looked like the Golden Eagles were well on their way to another lopsided win early as Cornerstone scored 13 minutes into play and got another goal 14 minutes later.

But the Grace defense, as well as the offense, made solid halftime adjustments and almost pulled off a big comeback.

Freshman Jayne Snider scored her first career goal just two minutes into the second half with a left-footed blast past Cornerstone keeper Mindy Erny to cut the deficit in half.

The Grace offense continued to play well as the half wore on and put itself in position to tie the game.

But as time slipped away and the Lancers were forced to push forward recklessly to attempt to get the tying goal, Cornerstone's Mary Koscielniak slipped past the Grace defense. She scored her second goal of the game with just 18 seconds remaining for the final tally of the contest.

Cornerstone held a 5-1 shots on goal advantage in each half, but the stats don't tell the difference in the periods.

In the opening 45 minutes, the Golden Eagles attacked at will and had numerous opportunities to blow the game open. But in the second half, most of Cornerstone's looks came on long shots and difficult angles, allowing Grace keeper Jen Howard to make seven saves in the contest.

Grace (0-2) will host Shawnee State Saturday at 1 p.m.

CORNERSTONE 3, GRACE 1

Cornerstone 2 1 - 3

Grace 0 1 - 1

Scoring - 1. Cornerstone, Michelle Miedema, 13:00; 2. Cornerstone, Mary Koscielniak, 27:00; 3. Grace, Jayne Snider (Kari Wildman assist), 47:00; 4. Cornerstone, Mary Koscielniak, 90:00.

Shots on goal - Cornerstone 10, Grace 2. Saves - Jen Howard (Grace) 7, Mindy Erny (Cornerstone) 1. Corner kicks - Cornerstone 7, Grace 0. [[In-content Ad]]