Box Score Two major defensive breakdowns proved to be the difference Wednesday, as McMaster suffered its fourth straight defeat. After levelling the match in the second half, the Marauders conceded late to fall 2-1 to the Guelph Gryphons at Ron Joyce Stadium.

Jacquie Preza and Hayley Howes had goals for the Gryphons (3-0-2), who swept the season series with the Marauders.

Mac's lone goal fell to Maila Carboni, who now accounts for three of the Marauders four goals on the season.

A lapse in defending saw Preza open the scoring in just the 15th minute, driving down the right wing with little opposition before slotting inside the far post.

The introduction of Steph Roberts into the Mac lineup midway through the opening half brought some added venom in the attacking third, and the second-year striker nearly levelled in the 32nd when she lost a marker and narrowly missed an incoming cross.

Continuing to probe for the equalizer as the second 45 got underway, McMaster finally found the breakthrough when a loose ball came to Carboni in the box and her effort pinballed through a maze of defenders and into the Guelph net in the 62nd minute.

The teams looked set to split the points on the evening, but Guelph found the moment for a second strike in the 87th, when Hayley Howes broke behind the Mac defensive line and bundled in a low cross from close range.

NEXT UP: McMaster travels to Toronto to play the York Lions on Saturday, September 17 … The Gryphons follow suit with a game against the Lions on Sunday, September 18.