BEAVER FALLS, Pa.— The Lady Barons soccer team proved that fighting hard from start to finish pays off as they beat Geneva College 2-0. Keeper Mallory Garthwaite, along with the defense, skillfully guarded the goal to clinch their first shutout of the season. The Lady Barons improved their season record to 6-3 after a game of high intensity and consistent play from all.

"This was the most consistent quality and consistent tempo we have played all season," head coach Clare McBane said. "They came out hard and played their first half better than they've played some of their second halves. They continued that tempo the whole game."

At the end of the first half, Ashley Ruttencutter snatched a ball out of the air and sent it down the line towards the center where it met the foot of teammate Jordan Byrley. Byrley proceeded to take one simple touch outside the 18-yard box and send the ball straight into the back of net for the first goal of the game.

"Our first goal was one of the prettier goals I've seen in a really long time," McBane said. "The girls continued to posses well through the entire game."

The end of the second half ended on a sweet note for the Lady Barons as well. Once again, Ruttencutter was there to assist as she crossed to connect the ball with the head of Hannah Cooke to solidify the final goal of the game.

This season, instead of being responsible for scoring, Ruttencutter has taken on a different role. In this game she garnered two assists and gave a glimpse into her ability to play like a true midfielder.

"She really stepped up and I think it was her effort in what she did today that was a game changer for us in regards to scoring and keeping our defense in check," McBane said.

Also keeping the defense in line was Garthwaite in the goal, as she had 5 saves and, for the first time all season, didn't let a single ball past. The defensive line kept good chemistry within their formation as they protected Garthwaite and the goal with smart steps and drops.

"This is the first shut out of the season, which is a big deal because we've let in at least one goal every single game, McBane said. "This is the first one that our defense and Mallory cleaned up and shut down the house."

The team hopes to carry on this consistent play to their first conference game of the season on Sept. 28 as they play Penn St. Behrend at 3:30 p.m.

"The girls all played really well and I'd love to just talk about each of them and everything they did," McBane said. "But none of this means anything if we forget it when it comes to conference play."