Box Score

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Freshman Kaitlyn Quarrell (Thunder Bay, ON/St. Ignatius) scored two goals for Detroit against No. 3 seed Cleveland State including the game-winner at 88:11 to lead the Titans to a 2-1 playoff victory. With the win, Detroit advances to the second round of the Horizon League playoffs to play at No. 1 seed Butler on Friday.

Early on in the contest, the Titans (8-6-5/4-3-2 Horizon League) were playing with the Vikings (9-8-2/5-4-0 HL) mostly in the middle of the field. Cleveland State broke through first in the 14th minute with a goal off a corner kick to take a 1-0 lead.

Detroit generated other chances in the first half but could not capitalize until Quarrell fired a laser from just beyond 20 yards away from net. Quarrell had the ball in the middle of the field and turned away from a Cleveland State defender and nailed a shot right under the cross bar to put the Titans on the board. Detroit held a 6-2 shooting advantage at the half including three shots on goal to Cleveland State's one.

“The game didn't start out the way we wanted and we gave up a goal on a set piece early, but we still controlled a majority of the game,” said head coach Mike Lupenec.

Detroit held a 12-3 overall shooting advantage and started to control more possession in the second half.

“I'm happy for the girls they worked hard. Our back line [consisting of Alexandra Suschak (Brecksville, OH/Brecksville), Alyssa Korson (Suttons Bay, MI/Lake Leelanau St. Mary's), Rebekah Dornbos (Midland, MI/Midland), Alauna Pierce (Toronto, ON/Mowat), and Mary Leone (St. Claire Shores, MI/Lakeview)] doesn't always get the credit they deserve but they did a great job for us today. If we play like we did today, we'll have a good shot to win on Friday. I glad we're advancing and getting a chance at a No. 1 seed,” continued Lupenec.

Quarrell added her second of the day in the final two minutes of the game as she took a shot from just inside the 18-yard box for her fifth of the year. For Quarrell it was her first career game-winning-goal.

“Quarrell showed today why I think she is the best freshman in the league. She is a great player for us and an important part of this team and hopefully the rest of the league is noticing,” stated Lupenec.

With the win today, Detroit advances to the semifinals for the first time since 2006. The Titans will play at Butler on Friday with game time set for 3:30 p.m.