Drovers Batter the Rams on Senior Day

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (10-5, 5-2 SAC) celebrated their senior class in stellar fashion, with a dominant 7-1 triumph against Texas Wesleyan University (6-7-1, 3-4 SAC). The Drovers have won each of their last four games, and five of their last six.

With the Senior Day victory against Texas Wesleyan, the Drovers are now 11-2-2 against the Rams all-time, dating back to September of 2011. 

Both teams got off to slow starts on offense, but in the 29^th minute USAO was able to take a 1-0 lead on Alicia Rey's 20^th goal of the season, assisted by Avery Walker. Walker then gave the Drovers a 2-0 lead with her second goal of the season, assisted by Ilse de Jong and Alicia Rey in the 35^th minute. USAO maintained a two-goal lead going into halftime.

Following the break, the USAO offense got red-hot and scored five goals in the second half. Kylie Strotman quickly stretched the Drovers lead to 3-0 with her first goal of the season in the 49^th minute. Dagbjort Gudmunsdottir struck for her fourth goal of the season, coming off an assist from Rey in the 51^st minute. Rey delivered her third assist of the game as the Drovers increased the lead to 5-0 on Paris Nance's first goal of the season, coming in the 68^th minute. 

Texas Wesleyan scored their only goal of the game in the 70^th minute, but were unable to add any more for the remainder of the contest. 

Katie O'Keefe scored her first collegiate goal in the 85^th minute, assisted by Daniela Salinas to give USAO a 6-1 advantage. Maddie Woods recorded her first goal of the season in the 87^th minute, with a helper from Marissa Neil. 

As a team, USAO attempted 29 shots, with 18 being on goal, while Texas Wesleyan attempted eight shots, with five being on target. The Drovers were whistled for 12 fouls, while the Rams committed 10 infractions. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start for USAO between the pipes and made four saves to improve her record to 5-0 this season.

Alicia Rey currently ranks No. 4 in the NAIA and No. 2 in the SAC in goals scored (20), while ranking No. 3 in points (49) in the NAIA and No. 1 in the SAC.

USAO WOMEN'S SOCCER SENIOR CLASS 2023

#2 MARISSA NEIL 

Following graduation, Neil plans to become certified and work as a Registered Behavior Technician

During her career at USAO, she has appeared in 33 games and has recorded one goal and one assist for a total of three points, while providing tremendous defense.

#8 LAURA BARRANTES

Upon graduation, Barrantes plans to pursue a Master's degree in Business Administration.

During her career at USAO, Barrantes appeared in 94 games and has recorded 18 goals and 15 assists for a total of 51 points. 

For her efforts on the pitch, Barrantes has been recognized as a 3x All-Conference selectee so far. During her time at USAO, she has helped lead the Drovers to three NAIA National Tournaments, three SAC Championships, and a staggering win-loss record of 76-17-2 (.800 win percentage).

#11 ALICIA REY 

After graduation, Rey plans to pursue a Master's degree in Business Administration. 

During her career Rey appeared in 75 games and has recorded 64 goals and 36 assists for a total of 164 points. 

For her efforts on the pitch, Rey has been recognized as the 2022 SAC Offensive Player of the Year award, three-time 1^st Team All-SAC, one NAIA All-American selection, and three SAC Player of the Week awards. 

During her time at USAO, she has helped lead the Drovers to two NAIA National Tournaments, one SAC Championship, and a staggering win-loss record of 55-19-2 (.724 win percentage).

#12 HELEM MORALES

Helem's plan after graduation is to apply for her OPT VISA and travel.

During her career Morales appeared in 20 games and has recorded one goal and a pair of points.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to the pitch on Tuesday, October 24 as they travel to McPherson, Kan. to face Central Christian College at 5:00 PM CT. 

With two games remaining in the regular season, the Drovers sit in a tie for third place and the top eight teams in the conference will qualify for the SAC Tournament. The top four seeds will earn a bid to host for the opening round of the tournament, and the highest seed will host for the remainder of the way.

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