#23 USAO’s Rally Falls Short Against Hastings

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Monday afternoon, the No. 23 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (1-2-1 0-0 SAC) came up short and was dealt a 2-1 loss against Hastings College (3-1, 0-0 GPAC). The loss also snaps USAO's home win streak, in which the Drovers were 14-0-1 on their home turf since Oct. 12, 2023. The Drovers and Broncos have plenty of recent history, with the teams going 2-2 in head-to-head meetings since 2020.

It was also a reunion of sorts, as The Broncos are coached by Drover legend, Jade Ovendale. In 2015, Ovendale graduated from USAO with her Bachelors of Science in Physical Education and Recreation in 2015 with cum laude honors. In her time as a Drover, she scored 50 goals, dished out 17 assists, for 143 points. 

She was named to the NAIA Honorable Mention All-American team in 2014 following her 32-goal season. She was also named Sooner Athletic Conference Player and Offensive Player of the Year and Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete. 

Following her senior year, she was awarded The Bill and Pat Smith Scholar-Athlete Award.  The award, which is given to up to two USAO senior athletes — one male and one female — each year, is presented to those students who best embody the concept of a student-athlete and uphold high ideals in scholarship, citizenship and athletic competition.

Ovendale is entering her fifth season as the head women's soccer coach leading the 2023 team to a regular conference championship and making it to the round of 16 at the final site down in Orange Beach, AL. Hastings finished with four first team all-conference members and two second team all-conference members.

The Drovers got off to a slow start on Monday and the Broncos captured an early lead with a goal in the 14^thminute. Hastings doubled their lead in the 41^st minute and took a two-goal lead into the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers turned things around and controlled the momentum for majority of the half. USAO trimmed the deficit to 2-1 in the 55^th minute as Chiara Morel scored her first goal of the season, assisted by Agnes Aas. The Drovers had multiple chances down the stretch to strike for the equalizer, but the Broncos goalkeeper made numerous spectacular saves to keep Hastings on top until the final horn.

As a team, USAO attempted 23 shots, with 13 being on goal, while Hastings attempted 11 shots, three of which were on target. The Broncos were whistled for four fouls, while the Drovers committed six infractions. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now head to Littleton, Colo. For a pair of top 25 matchups against No. 3 College of Idaho and No. 17 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Ariz.). No. 23 USAO will face College of Idaho on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6:00 PM CT, followed by a matchup against Embry-Riddle on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 3:00 PM CT.

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