BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - The Wittenberg Tigers nearly pulled off a most unlikely result, rallying from a 2-0 halftime deficit before falling on the road to Illinois Wesleyan 3-2.

The loss dropped Wittenberg to 2-3 on the season. Illinois Wesleyan, which is receiving votes in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America weekly NCAA Division III poll, improved to 4-1.

The host Titans held a commanding advantage in shots in the game, attempting 15 in the first half and another 10 over the final 45 minutes. At the other end, Wittenberg managed just seven shots, including five in the second half.

The Tigers were far more efficient with their opportunities, however. Junior Kate Burns (Granger, Ind./Penn) scored her team-leading third goal of the 2014 season in the 67th minute and then junior Zoe Curry (Milford, Ohio/Ursuline) buried a penalty kick in the 88th minute to pull the Tigers within one.

The two second-half goals, both off set pieces, nearly brought the Tigers back even in the late going. Illinois Wesleyan had established leads of 2-0 and 3-1 on goals in the 37th minute, 41st minute and 71st minute.

Sophomore Michelle Brunswick (Middletown, Ohio/Madison) contributed the assist on Burns' goal.

Defensively, freshman goalkeeper Alexa Murrietta (Las Vegas, Nev./Shadow Ridge) was credited with a collegiate-best 13 saves.