Rey’s Goal in Double-Overtime Sends Drovers to Conference Championship Game for the Ninth Season in a Row

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Tuesday night, the No. 3 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (14-5, 7-2 SAC) extended their win-streak to eight and advanced to their ninth consecutive Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament championship game with an exhilarating 1-0 victory in double-overtime at No. 2 Oklahoma City University (11-6-1, 7-2 SAC). 

The conference rivals met earlier this season at McLaughlin Field and the Stars came away with a 2-0 win. With Tuesday's win, the Drover are now 14-19-1 against the Stars all-time, a series that dates back to September of 2001. Additionally, USAO has won seven of the last eight meetings against OCU.

The first half was evenly matched, but USAO was able to put three shots on goal, while OCU was unable to register a shot on target, and neither team was able to find the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes of action.

Following the break, the Drovers continued to dominate possession of the ball, but neither team was able to score in the second half, forcing the game to go into overtime. After neither team was able to score in the first overtime period, the Drovers finally broke the scoreless tie on Alicia Rey's 25^th goal of the season in the 103^rd minute of the game.

As a team, USAO attempted 27 shots, with 15 being on goal, while Oklahoma City attempted eight shots, with four being on target. The Drovers were whistled for 12 fouls, while the Stars committed 11 infractions. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start for USAO between the pipes and improved record to 9-0 this season. Lonberg made four saves to record her third shutout of the season.

Alicia Rey currently ranks No. 2 in the NAIA in goals scored (25), while ranking No. 3 in points (61). 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers return to the pitch for the championship game of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament on Friday, November 10 in Siloam Springs, Ark. The No. 3 seeded Drovers will be the face No. 1 John Brown University for a 6:00 PM CT kick-off at Alumni Field on the campus of JBU.

The Drovers have won seven tournament championships in their history, and they will be appearing in their ninth consecutive SAC Tournament championship game.

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