The McMaster Marauders Women's Soccer team was nipped 2-0 by the Western Mustangs.
 
In the last regular season match of the 2023 season, the lineup saw similar starters to the majority of the season - familiar teammates who play with connection.  
 
Marauders goalkeeper Ali Mudie was a wall for McMaster making 14 saves throughout the game for a .857 save percentage. However, Mudie's tending couldn't make it up for the ladies in Maroon, who were outshot and outscored by the Mustangs. 
 
Western's Hannah Vickers opened up scoring for the opponents within the 16th minute, and Medina Birani preyed on the Marauders' deficit, sinking in a second goal under three minutes later.
 
Specifically in the second half, the Marauders tested Western's keeper, holding the majority of possession in the Mustangs' end, and hitting four shots on goal. The team was just unable to place the finishing touch.
 
Falling to Western, the Marauders are now 8-2-2 overall. The Western Mustangs slipped into first in OUA West, leaving the Marauders to fight for a second-place tie with the Guelph Gryphons.
 
The Marauders return to action on Saturday, October 28 when they host the victor of the Brock Badgers or Guelph Gryphons first-round playoff match. The first kick for the OUA Quarterfinals is set for 1 p.m. at Ron Joyce Stadium.