PARAGOULD --- The Marion Lady Patriots have posted some impressive defensive performances so far this spring. On Tuesday night at Eagle Stadium against league rival Greene County Tech, Marion authored its masterpiece. As a result, Marion inched closer to its first state tournament berth since 2018. The Lady Pats improved to 6-8-3 overall and 5-5-3 in 5A East play by recording their fifth shutout of 2022 in a 2-0 victory at Tech. Senior twin sisters Victoria and Emma Whited each scored a goal, while senior goalkeeper Kora Wilson recorded more than 20 saves to clinch victory. Wilson's play impressed many onlookers during the match, but Marion coach Chris Paslay named no shortage of defensive heroes. “Gabrielle Gray is a team leader, she controls that defensive line and gets us lined up. Her contributions are invaluable,” said Paslay. “Our most improved player on this team is Patricia Lara. She's become a brick wall back there. Cheyenne Dotson didn't play a lot last year, but she's been excellent. Brenna Barlow was a backup goalkeeper last year, and this year she's become a real stalwart on the backline. It's just a great win against a well-coached team.” Marion's offense broke through at the 25:24 mark of the first half when Emma Whited sent a corner kick to the front of the net, where Meredith Whited rerouted the pass into the net for a 1-0 advantage that the Lady Pats would take to halftime. “We spend a lot of time practicing set pieces and it paid off today,” added Paslay. Emma Whited was in the right place again with 19:38 remaining in the second half, when she rebounded a missed shot and deposited it into the net for a 2-0 Marion edge that the Lady Pats would not relinquish. In boys action, Greene County Tech eliminated Marion from playoff contention with a 2-1 victory despite Luke Kennedy's goal at 28:47 in the second half. Marion ends its regular-season schedule on Friday night at home against Paragould. The girls match kicks off at 5 p.m.