Marion picks up shutout win at Murphysboro


Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

MURPHYSBORO — Ahead of their biggest conference match of the season, the Marion Wildcats went on the road and picked up a non-conference win, shutting out SIRR champion Murphysboro 3-0.

The Wildcats jumped on top quickly and seemed poised to add to it, but Red Devils’ keeper Bailey Summers came up with a couple of saves to keep it 1-0.

Murphysboro, who clinched the conference title Thursday, had its best scoring chance midway through the half, but Megan McNitt was just wide on the shot.

Haylee Lambert scored later in the half to give Marion a 2-0 lead. Kyra Graham put home a rebound in the second half to account for the scoring. Marion keeper Addison Wall made a big save late on McNitt to preserve the shutout.

The Wildcats improve to 17-3. They will host Althoff Monday in a first place battle in the South 7. The Crusaders won the first meeting in Belleville 2-0.

The Red Devils fall to 11-7-1. They will visit Carbondale Monday and then close out the regular season Friday night at home against Mt. Vernon.