Drovers Extend Unbeaten Streak to 15 as Lonberg Ties Shutout Record

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Wednesday night, the No. 2 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-2-5, 6-0-3 SAC) opened the 2025 SAC Tournament and extended its unbeaten streak to 15 games with a 2-0 shutout against No. 7 seed Nelson University (8-8-2, 3-6 SAC). In head-to-head matchups, the Drovers are 10-0 against the Lions in the all-time series, dating to October 2018. 

The Drovers were in command of Wednesday's contest from start to finish and took control early on as Ilse de Jong struck for her ninth goal of the season in the 13^th minute. USAO quickly added to the lead in the 17^th minute as Emali Goulas buried her third goal of the campaign, on a penalty-kick. Possession of the ball remained with USAO for majority of the half and the Drovers took a two-goal advantage into the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers valued possession of the ball and used tremendous defense to close out the win.

As a team, USAO attempted a total of 25 shots, with 12 being on goal, while Nelson attempted 10 shots, three of which were on frame. The Drovers were whistled for 12 fouls, and the Lions were flagged for seven infractions. Nelson had zero corner-kicks, in comparison to USAO's four attempts out of the offensive corners. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start between the pipes for USAO and tied a program record with her 10^th shutout of the season by stopping all three shots she faced. Additionally, the shutout was the 18^th of her career and improved her record to 37-5-6. 

Amongst her SAC peers, Lonberg ranks third in save percentage (.829) and goals against average (0.67).

The shutout is the fourth in a row for USAO, and their 11^th of the season, which is the second most in a season in program history. The Drovers produced 13 clean sheets in 2019, followed by 11 in 2021.

The Drovers have not conceded a goal in their last 373 minutes of game time, and it is the second time this season that USAO has held opponents scoreless for four consecutive contests.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The No. 2 seed Drovers will host the semifinals of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament against No. 3 seed Oklahoma City University on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7:00 PM CT at Mclaughlin Field. When the Drovers hosted the Stars during the regular season, USAO came away with a 2-1 victory.

With a win, USAO would advance to their 11^th consecutive appearance in the SAC Tournament championship game. Each of the last five championship matchups have come against John Brown University. In total, the Drovers have claimed seven tournament championships in program history (2001, 2002, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019).

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