For the second time in six days, the Marauders were handed a loss by the UOIT Ridgebacks. McMaster dropped the game with major playoff implications, 3-1.

UOIT's scoring started early, with the first goal coming two minutes into the contest. Midfielder Emily Copeland-Dinan took the through ball and beat Marauder keeper Brittany Duffey in a one-on-one to put Mac in an early hole.

That hole would grow larger only three minutes later, as forward Sonia Sampogna would score again on a similar play to make the score 2-0.

Shortly after the tally, McMaster would be forced to sub defender Julia Maiolino after she appeared to aggravate a knee injury that had been keeping her sidelined since the Aug. 30 season opener.

The Ridgebacks would continue to press for the remainder of the half, but Duffey ensured that the score would stay 2-0 with a diving stop in the 43^rd minute.

With Mac looking to grab points in the game as the Ridgebacks and Marauders battle for playoff position, head coach Brett Mosen changed formation and put three players on the back line. The decision would pay dividends as the Maroon and Grey kept the ball in the offensive third of the pitch.

Mac's pressure would produce positive results in the 70^th minute, after a UOIT keeper bobbled cross led to Samantha Salata score. It was the Kitchener, Ont. native's first goal of her OUA career.

A little momentum behind them, McMaster continued to make moves in the offensive end. An Emma Mangialardi shot caused a ruckus in front of goal but no Marauder could put a foot on the ball to tie it up.

The Ridgebacks would put a muzzle on any comeback opportunity in the 86^th minute with Sampogna knocking her second goal of the night home in another one-on-one.

Conceding the loss means that McMaster will need to put up points in their final two games of the season. York sits behind one spot behind the Marauders, with 15 points to Mac's 17. The Lions have two games in hand.

Another team with two games in hand is the Windsor Lancers, who have 14 points.

McMaster's next game will be the Oct. 19, where they host the lowly Brock Badgers (2-6-4). The final regular season tilt will be against the Laurier Golden Hawks (6-2-3), who sit third in the OUA West standings.

The Brock match-up is set to start at 1:00 p.m.