#21 USAO Stretches Unbeaten Streak to Nine with Triumph Against OCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday night, the No. 21 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (7-2-4, 2-0-2 SAC) stretched their unbeaten streak to nine games with a 2-1 win against Oklahoma City University (9-1-2, 2-1-1 SAC). In head-to-head matchups, the Drovers improve to 16-19-1 against the Stars in the all-time series, dating to September 2001. Furthermore, USAO has won nine of the last ten meetings between the rivals. 

Tuesday's contest was a tremendous battle from start to finish, and following 22 minutes of scoreless action, the Drovers captured the lead as Dagbjort Gudmundsdottir delivered a powerful strike to the back of the net. The goal was the fifth of the season for the dynamic Icelander. 

Both teams had more scoring chances later in the half, but defenses held strong and USAO took a one-goal advantage into halftime. 

Following the break, the Drovers added some insurance in the 63^rd minute as Ilse de Jong bent in a shot on a corner-kick for her eighth goal of the season. The reigning SAC Player of the Year currently ranks fifth in the conference in goals (8) and sixth in points (18).

The Stars cut their deficit in half with a goal in the 66^th minute, but USAO's defense held strong for the remainder of the contest to secure the win. 

As a team, USAO attempted a total of 15 shots, with nine being on goal, while OCU attempted 16 shots, nine of which were on frame. The Stars were whistled for 14 fouls, while the Drovers committed only six infractions. OCU had four corner-kicks, in comparison to USAO's 12 attempts out of the offensive corners. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped eight of the nine shots that came her way, improving her career record to 32-5-5 at USAO. 

USAO's strength of schedule has been very impressive this season, and nine of their opening 13 matchups have come against opponents that are ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. Thus far, they are 7-2-4 overall with wins against No. 5 College of Idaho, RV Oklahoma City, RV Columbia, LSU Shreveport, Southwestern (Kan.), Stephens College (Mo.), and Texas Wesleyan.

Losses against No. 22 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) and RV Hastings (Neb.). 

The Drovers earned ties against No. 10 John Brown (Ark.), No. 9 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.), RV Mid-America Christian, and RV Concordia (Neb.).

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Friday, Oct. 10 as they travel to Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM CT in Goodwell, Okla.

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