ADRIAN, Mich. - A late push by the Adrian women's soccer proved to no avail on Wednesday evening at Docking Stadium. The Bulldogs ran a strong game defensively with Otterbein, but could not overcome an early deficit placed by the Cardinals, falling 2-1.

"The second half of the match was some of the best soccer we've played," noted head coach Ali Alamdari. "But it's difficult to get a result when you dig a hole early in the match and are forced to chase against the clock."

The visitors, who entered the match as the number five-ranked team in NCAA Division III - Region VII, opened the scoring in the 8th minute of the match, then followed up with a quick second tally three minutes later.

The Bulldogs remained composed, however, managing opportunity after opportunity, until finally, in the 41st minute, a breakthrough.

On the locals' third corner kick of the half, Kailyn Dake delivered a high, line-drive cross into the box that was met by the head of Hailey Stowe, who sent the ball past the outstretched arm of the Cardinals' goalkeeper and into the top right corner of the net.

As Alamdari said post game, the black and gold came out like a house on fire in the second half, outrunning Otterbein and claiming more and more fifty-fifty chances.

The Bulldogs (3-3) best chance at an equalizer came in the 85th minute off another corner kick. This time, Leah Courtney used her head on the ball to send a redirect on target. The ball appeared to take a deflection off a Cardinal defender, sending it off the top woodwork and away from the goal.

On the evening, McKenna Mahoney paced Adrian with five total shots, while Kelsey Zoli, Victoria Butkowski, Courtney and Stowe each had one shot a piece.

In net, Taylor Fischer recorded six saves, including four in the second frame.

Up next for the Bulldogs is a date at nationally-ranked Wheaton on Saturday afternoon.

"Wheaton on the road is a massive challenge," said Alamdari. "But we're excited for the opportunity to test ourselves against another top side before conference play starts."