Drovers Claim Fourth Win in a Row Heading into the Postseason

GOODWELL, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (8-7-3, 4-4-1 SAC) concluded the regular season with an important 4-1 victory at Oklahoma Panhandle State University (5-9-1, 1-8 SAC). The Drovers are now 3-3 against the Aggies all-time, dating back to 2019.

After the contest opened with 22 scoreless minutes, the Drovers captured the first lead of the game on Darko Borisavljevic's fifth goal of the season, off an assist from Matija Malenovic. Neither team was able to score for the remainder of the opening half.

Following the break, the Aggies managed to tie the score at 1-1 with a goal in the 52nd minute, but the Drovers immediately responded with Sebastian Boldt's first goal of the season to regain the lead in the 56^thminute. USAO extended their lead to 3-1 on Justin Croke's first goal of the game, coming in the 66^th minute. Croke then scored his second goal of the game and ninth of the season in the 76^th minute, assisted by Borisavljevic.

As a team, USAO attempted 15 shots, with 11 being on goal, while OPSU attempted seven shots, with three being on target. 

Angel Diaz was stellar between the pipes for USAO once again, stopping two of the three shots that came his way, to improve his record to 8-5-3

The dynamic duo of Justin Croke and Matija Malenovic has been wreaking havoc on the Sooner Athletic Conference this season. Croke currently ranks seventh in the SAC in goals (9), fourth in assists (9), and fourth in points (27), while Malenovic ranks ninth in goals (8), fifth in assists (9), and sixth in points (25). 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to the pitch for the first game of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament on Friday, November 3 in Bethany, Okla. The Drovers will be the No. 6 seed in the tournament and will play at No. 3 seed Central Chritsian College.

The top eight teams in the conference qualify for the SAC Tournament, and the top four seeds earn a bid to host for the opening round of the tournament. The highest seed will host for the remainder of the way.

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