BOWLING GREEN, Oh. - The Golden Grizzlies fell to the Bowling Green Falcons (BGSU) 1-0 in the 2025 season opener, despite a hard fought effort on both sides of the ball.

The Falcons secured the victory with a second-half goal by Ella Kane. Both teams finished with three shots on goal, while BGSU outshot Oakland 10 to five total.

The first half opened with defensive plays from both sides as Oakland and Bowling Green were evenly matched. Maryn Weiger made a couple of crucial saves, including a diving punch-out in the 37th minute, denying Lexi White a chance to score. In the final minutes, Oakland increased offensive pressure with shots by Mia Tuka, Kimee Liu, and Dakota Jarrett, but each attempt was halted by Payton O'Malley, keeping the score 0-0 at the end of the half.

BGSU quickly took the lead out of the break as Kane snuck in a lefty shot on a deep cross from Isabella Mazzaferro in the 52nd minute. Oakland responded with multiple corner kick opportunities, including one at 56' and another at 76', keeping pressure on the home team, but were unable to capitalize. Weiger made a crucial save at 80', stopping a shot by Emme Butera, but Oakland couldn't find the equalizer.

Liu, Jarrett, and Tuka each contributed offensively with one shot on goal apiece, leading the team's efforts in that category. Tuka and true freshman Corinne Jenkins also stood out on defense, making several key plays to halt BGSU runs into Oakland territory.

Oakland prepares to host Valparaiso University on Sunday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m.
 

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