de Jong Scores Twice as #3 USAO Advances to SAC Tournament Semifinals

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday night, the No. 3 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (13-5, 7-2 SAC) opened the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament with their seventh consecutive victory as they cruised to a dominant 0-0 victory against No. 6 Texas Wesleyan University (7-9-1, 4-5 SAC). The Drovers now own an 12-2-2 against the Rams all-time, dating back to September of 2011, and USAO has outscored TX Wes 46-16 in those head-to-head matchups.

The Drovers dominated the possession of the ball from start to finish, and they created numerous scoring chances, but were only able to strike once in the opening half. Aleigha Prince gave the Drovers a 1-0 lead as she headed in a round for her second goal of the season.

Following the break, USAO extended the lead to 2-0 with Ilse de Jong's rebound-goal in the 61^st minute. Texas Wesleyan scored their lone goal in the 78^th minute on a penalty-kick, but USAO once again extended the lead to two as de Jong scored her second of the day and fourth of the season, off an assist from Luna Knoester. Neither team was able to score for the remainder of regulation, bringing the Texas Wesleyan season to a close. 

As a team, USAO attempted 33 shots, with 17 being on goal, while Texas Wesleyan attempted four shots, with one being on target. The Drovers were whistled for 14 fouls, while the Rams committed nine infractions. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start for USAO between the pipes and improved record to 8-0 this season. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers return to the pitch for the semifinals of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament on Tuesday, November 7 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The No. 3 seeded Drovers will be the face No. 2 Oklahoma City University for a 7:00 PM CT kick-off at Brian Harvey Field on the campus of OCU.

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