Early Goal Lifts #13 Quincy Past Bulldogs In Close Contest At Ramada Plaza Invitational

Big Rapids, Mich. - An early goal resulted in defeat for the Ferris State University women's soccer team as nationally 13th-ranked Quincy (Ill.) recorded a 1-0 win over FSU on Sunday (Sept. 7) to wrap up the Ramada Plaza Invitational in Allendale, Mich.

The Hawks' Mackenzie Rief tallied a goal following a steal in FSU's back end off an assist from Ashely Burton only 11:22 into the contest as the returning NCAA Division II National Tournament qualifiers jumped out to an early lead.

From there, Megan Swanson pitched a shutout in net for Quincy although FSU held a 15-6 edge in total shots over the Hawks for the day.

The loss was the second for FSU against stiff competition in the Ramada Plaza Invitational following a 2-0 season-opening setback to Truman State (Mo.) on Friday (Sept. 5) against another returning NCAA qualifier.

In Sunday's setback to Quincy, the Bulldogs received a game-high tying three shots from freshman Brenna Cockerill. Both Casey Shauman and freshman Rachel Fouts had a pair of shot attempts each. 

Meanwhile, Rief tallied three shots in leading Quincy, which evened its record at 1-1 on the year following a loss on Friday to host and defending national champion Grand Valley State in the season opener.

Junior Maddie Haustein made the start in net for the Bulldogs and stopped two shots before giving way to sophomore Savanna Wojtanowski in the second half. Swanson tallied six saves in net for Quincy in earning the win.

The Bulldogs also had four corner kick tries to none for Quincy and the Hawks were whistled for offsides twice while FSU did not commit any offsides infractions. FSU had 12 fouls to 10 for Quincy.

Ferris State will return home and host league foe Saginaw Valley State in their 2014 home opener on Sunday, Sept. 14, starting at 12 p.m. (ET) at the FSU Soccer Field. The contest will be a non-league matchup as the two teams will meet again later this season in GLIAC play.