MARIETTA, Ohio -- The Kenyon College women's soccer team suffered a 2-0 defeat against Marietta College on Saturday afternoon. Despite the loss, the Owls (1-5) displayed a strong defensive performance against the Pioneers (4-2-2).

Although Kenyon was out-shot 18-11, the Owls defense, led by sophomore goalkeeper Ariel Kite's five saves, kept the game competitive.

Kite made a spectacular save in the 21st minute, preserving a 0-0 tie. After a Marietta steal on a Kenyon throw-in, Angelene Kountol's powerful shot seemed destined for the top corner. Kite, showcasing her athleticism, leaped high to deflect the ball off the goalpost before her defenders cleared it away.

Marietta broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. Kountol, the Pioneers' leading scorer, capitalized on a well-placed pass, cutting across the pitch and finding the top of the net.

Despite being out-shot 9-2 in the first half, Kite's four saves kept Kenyon within striking distance.

Kountol struck again in the 55th minute, racing past Kenyon's defense on the right side before tapping the ball into the back left corner, extending Marietta's lead to 2-0.

The Owls responded with a threat in the 59th minute, after earning a free kick outside the box. Using a clever misdirection play, junior defender Julianna Granetzke fired a shot that narrowly missed over the crossbar.

Kenyon's final opportunity came in the 89th minute, when a corner kick led to a well-placed cross. Brooke Heis connected with a header, but the ball sailed just over the net as time expired.

The Owls, who had an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks, look ahead to a challenging home match on Friday afternoon against No. 6-ranked Carnegie Mellon University. The contest marks Kenyon's final non-conference game before beginning their North Coast Athletic Conference schedule.