Drovers Remain Unbeaten and Score a Half-Dozen Against Southwestern

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Wednesday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-0-1, 0-0 SAC) extended their unbeaten streak with a 6-1 triumph against Southwestern College (0-3, 0-0 KCAC).

 Wednesday's game got off to a bit of a slow start, but USAO managed to break the scoreless tie in the 27^thminute as Dagbjort Gudmundsdottir found the back of the net off an assist from Ashlee Davison. USAO extended the lead to 2-0 as Emali Goulas scored her second goal of the season, off an assist from Paula Casajus in the 39^th minute. Two minutes later, Casajus struck for her second goal of the season, assisted by Goulas. The Drovers took a comfortable 3-0 lead into halftime. 

Following the break, Southwestern looked like a rejuvenated team and had a couple scoring chances early on. However, the Drovers would regain their composure and pushed the lead to 4-0 in the 54^th minute as Daniela Salinas scored her fourth goal of the season, assisted by Clara Rodriguez. 

The Moundbuilders trimmed their deficit to 4-1 in the 63^rd minute on a free-kick from just beyond the right corner of the box.

The Drovers bounced back and extended the lead to 5-1 as Melissa Haunpo scored her first collegiate goal in the 84^th minute, assisted by Baylee Osborn. USAO scored the final goal of the game in the 87^th minute on Marleen Harbers' impressive goal from 10 yards outside the box. 

As a team, USAO attempted 22 shots, with 16 being on goal, while Southwestern attempted seven shots, four of which were on target. The Drovers were whistled for six fouls, while the Moundbuilders committed four infractions. 

Caitlin Bishop made her first start between the pipes this season, stopping three of the four shots that came her way. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to the pitch on Saturday, September 7 as they travel to Nebraska for a showdown at Hastings College. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM CT at Lloyd Wilson Field.

It will also be a reunion of sorts, as The Broncos are coached by Drover legend, Jade Ovendale. In 2015, Ovendale graduated from USAO with her Bachelors of Science in Physical Education and Recreation in 2015 with cum laude honors. In her time as a Drover, she scored 50 goals, dished out 17 assists, for 143 points. 

She was named to the NAIA Honorable Mention All-American team in 2014 following her 32-goal season. She was also named Sooner Athletic Conference Player and Offensive Player of the Year and Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete. 

Following her senior year she was awarded The Bill and Pat Smith Scholar-Athlete Award.  The award, which is given to up to two USAO senior athletes — one male and one female — each year, is presented to those students who best embody the concept of a student-athlete and uphold high ideals in scholarship, citizenship and athletic competition.

Ovendale is entering her fifth season as the head women's soccer coach leading the 2023 team to a regular conference championship and making it to the round of 16 at the final site down in Orange Beach, AL. Hastings finished with four first team all conference members and two second team all-conference members.

Stay up to date on all Science & Arts Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao/

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers