MEXICO -- Neither Marshall nor Mexico was considered a pre-season contender in the NCMC girls' soccer race, but there they were Monday playing for second place -- with the visiting Lady Owls notching a 1-0 decision.

Marshall only had one shot on goal during the match, the result of combination passing between junior Vicky Renderos, freshman Kelsey Griffin and senior Paige Fifer -- who put away her team-high fifth goal in the ninth minute.

Fifer had another possible goal taken away on an offside infraction late in the game, after the Lady Bulldogs (5-5, 3-3 NCMC) had pushed forward trying to tie the contest. Senior Xochitl Ruiz was sound in the net, stopping five shots for her fourth shutout of the season.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again Thursday at Marshall (6-2, 3-1), which has won six straight.