BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Parkside (8-7-2, 8-4-1 GLIAC) fell 2-1 to Ferris State (7-4-6, 7-3-3) on Thursday afternoon, dropping its second straight match as the Bulldogs pulled within a point of the Rangers in the conference standings.

Ferris State struck first in the 23rd minute after a foul in the box. Forward Haley Buckman stepped to the spot and converted the penalty for her fourth of the season at 22:09, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Parkside answered immediately after the break. Less than a minute into the second half, a free kick from midfield by Emily Giese found space beyond the back line, and Ava Rizzitano stretched to poke home the equalizer at 45:45. It was Rizzitano's team-leading fifth goal of the season and it briefly flipped momentum to the visitors.

The Bulldogs had the final word. In the 69th minute, Buckman pounced on a rebound after an initial save and finished from the left side at 68:57, with Katherine Welch credited with the assist, to restore Ferris State's lead at 2-1. The result sealed a season sweep for the Bulldogs after their 1-0 win in Kenosha last month.

Despite the defeat, Parkside carried long stretches and led most categories. The Rangers outshot Ferris State 18-8 and put nine attempts on frame to the Bulldogs' four. Parkside also held an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks. Rizzitano paced the attack with seven shots and four on goal, while Grace Breuchel added four shots and Emma Ambrose recorded two, both on target. Tristen Cross finished with two saves for the Rangers. On the other end, Korinne Ihrke turned away eight shots to preserve the win for Ferris State.

Parkside split its four-match road swing at 2-2 and returns home for the regular-season finale on Saturday, hosting Davenport at 1 p.m. at Wood Road Field in Kenosha.

To keep up with the Rangers, visit parksiderangers.com/parkside.