WSOC Downs DePaul 1-0 On Bombacino Goal

The Marquette University women's soccer team (5-2-0, 3-2-0 BIG EAST) claimed a 1-0 victory over DePaul (3-3-0, 2-3-0 BIG EAST) Thursday afternoon in BIG EAST Conference action at Valley Fields.

The win moved Marquette into sole possession of second place in the Midwest Division with three matches to play. The top-two teams in each division earn a spot in the BIG EAST Tournament, April 16-18 in Providence, R.I. and a chance to claim the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.

"It was a great bounce-back performance today," head coach Frank Pelaez said. "We have talked about putting the Creighton match behind us the last couple of days in practice and that's exactly what we did.

"We have a veteran group in the back and they really limited scoring opportunities today," Pelaez added. "They communicate well, are great leaders and they really care."

The victory allowed the Golden Eagles to improve to 4-0-0 at home this season. MU's defensive unit allowed a total of just seven Blue Demon shots, two of which were on goal. Redshirt freshman Mikki Easter made the start in net and collected her first shutout of the campaign.

After a slow start offensively by both teams, Marquette moved ahead 1-0 at the 36:45 mark on the team's first shot on goal. Junior Alyssa Bombacino found the back of the net for the first time this season, finishing a cross from the right side by freshman Elsi Twombly.

UP NEXT: Marquette continues its three-match homestand on Sunday, March 28 when the team hosts first-place Butler at 1 p.m. CT.

Keep up with the Marquette University women's soccer team through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteWSOC) and Instagram (@MarquetteWSOC) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteWSOC).