(CANTON, Ohio) – In arguably one of the most important games between the two rivals in their history, Malone made a second half goal stand up as it defeated Walsh 1-0. It was a win-or-go-home situation for the Pioneers (7-11, 5-7), while the Cavaliers (6-8-3, 4-7-1) needed to at least tie to advance.

As a result, Malone clinched the No. 8 seed in next week's GLIAC Tournament and will take on No. 1 seed Grand Valley State in the quarterfinals. It was also Malone's first win against the Cavaliers since a 2-1 win at Walsh in 2004.

Aside from the score, the Cavaliers controlled almost the entire game. They outshout Malone 19-11, had more corner kicks by a 6-1 count, and pushed the ball up the field more, but were caught offsides six times.

The only score came on a free kick as Kaela Kovanda placed a shot from the right side of the field 30 yards out perfectly as it hit the upper left corner of the goal and barely bounced in. The score came at 56:07 and left the Cavaliers scrambling in an attempt to tie.

As aforementioned, the Cavs did have plenty of chances. Nine of their shots were on goal and many of the others weren't far off the mark. Five of those on target came off the foot of Kristen Conti. Gearhart also had a great look as a header late in the second half bounced off the cross bar.

No matter what Walsh did though, it couldn't find the back of the net as Malone's Leah Rauscher made nine saves on the day.