Drovers Win Sixth in a Row and Clinch No. 3 Seed for SAC Tournament

GOODWELL, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-5, 7-2 SAC) concluded the regular season with their sixth consecutive victory as they cruised to a dominant 5-0 victory at Oklahoma Panhandle State University (2-13, 0-9 SAC). The Drovers are now 5-0 against the Aggies all-time, dating back to 2019. Additionally, USAO has outscored OPSU by a 47-1 margin in those matchups.

The Drovers were able to get off to a good start and captured a 1-0 lead in the 13^th minute on Alicia Rey's 24^th goal of the season, assisted by Luna Knoester. Knoester then gave USAO a 2-0 lead with her second goal of the season only three minutes later, assisted by Laura Barrantes. Just prior to halftime, USAO extended the lead to 3-0 on Paris Nance's second goal of the season, assisted by Alicia Rey.

Following the break, the Drovers immediately extended their lead to 4-0 on Laura Barrantes' fifth goal of the season, coming off an assist from Ilse de Jong in the 46^th minute. Paula Casajus increased the lead to 5-0 in the 65^th minute, off an assist from Clara Rodriguez.

As a team, USAO attempted 28 shots, with 19 being on goal, while OPSU attempted one shot, with one being on target. The Drovers were whistled for two fouls, while the Aggies committed zero infractions. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start for USAO between the pipes and made one saves to improve her record to 7-0 this season. Caitlin Bishop played for the second half and did not face any shots.

Alicia Rey currently leads the NAIA and SAC in goals scored (24), while ranking No. 3 in points (59) in the NAIA and No. 1 in the SAC. Furthermore, she leads the SAC in assists (11), and that number ranks 11th in the NAIA.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to the pitch for the first game of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday, November 4 at McLaughlin Field. The Drovers will be the No. 3 seed in the tournament and will host No. 6 seed Texas Wesleyan University. When USAO and Texas Wesleyan met earlier this season at McLaughlin Field, the Drovers cruised to a 7-1 victory.

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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