By Cort Reynolds

The homestanding Ada girls soccer team defeated Marion Harding 5-4 Saturday afternoon at War Memorial Stadium.

Ada improved to 2-1 with the non-league victory.

The Lady Bulldogs built a 3-1 lead by halftime and held on for the win.

Ella Marshall tallied three goals to pace the victors.

Olivia Burkhart and Julia Kamatali each netted a goal for Ada.

"There are so many emotions right now," said Bulldog second-year head coach A.J. Wahlie. "I am thrilled that we became the first Ada team to win in our beautiful new stadium.

"The game today was definitely one that the neutrals could enjoy. It was a gritty performance, and while we may not have played our best, we came out with the win.

"The girls knew coming in that it was a must-win match, and they delivered," he continued. "All the credit to them. We will enjoy this win and start to get ready for our conference opener on Monday."

The Ada girls play next at backyard rival Allen East Monday, August 30 at 5 p.m. in the Northwest Conference lidlifter.