No more ifs, ands or buts.

Unless Colorado College can win its last two regular-season matches, and gets some help, it'll be watching the Conference USA post-season tournament from the outside for the first time since becoming an affiliate member of the league in 2006.  

CC gave up a pair of goals in the opening 20 minutes on Friday, and despite completely dominating the second half, never was able to recover in a 2-1 loss to Marshall University at Sam Hood Field in Huntington, W.Va. 

With the defeat, the Tigers dropped to 3-5-1 in C-USA. Now 7-6-4 overall, they remain in a dogfight with four other teams for the league's sixth and final post-season berth. 

“We still can make the playoffs by beating East Carolina and UTEP,” said head coach Geoff Bennett, "But we've painted ourselves into a corner.”

Despite finishing with an 11-3 advantage in shots on goal, Colorado College couldn't get on the scoreboard until freshman Sierra Keeler struck for her first career tally in the 87th minute. 

“Tonight was a synopsis of our season up to this point,” said Bennett. “We're playing well. We continue to create chances – not far-fetched chances, but legitimate scoring chances. We're still not getting that final product, however, and that's what's holding us back.” 

Senior Erika Duncan and junior Angela DeSumma combined to afflict the damage early in Friday's contest. Duncan opened the scoring just 5:25 into the match, pouncing on a loose ball after DeSumma's rebound attempt was blocked in front. DeSumma made it 2-0 at the 19-minute mark when she finished from six yards out after taking a pass from Duncan.

CC out-shot the Thundering Herd, 22-8, overall. That included a 14-1 spread after intermission when Marshall keeper Lexi Hughes made seven of her total of 10 saves. Keeler ruined her shutout bid with 3:21 remaining, with junior midfielder Kelsey Wise earning an assist on the goal.