de Jong’s Hat-Trick Propels USAO to Their 10th Consecutive SAC Tournament Championship Game

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the No. 21 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (17-1-1, 8-1 SAC) advanced to their 10^th consecutive Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament championship game with a dominant 5-0 victory against Mid-America Christian University (14-3-2, 8-1 SAC). With the win, the Drovers have emerged victorious in 21 of the last 23 matchups against the Evangels, dating back to September of 2008. When the Drovers and Evangels met earlier this season, USAO came away with the 2-1 victory. 

The Drovers are the No. 2 seed in the tournament, after earning a share of the conference's regular season championship, meanwhile the Evangels entered as the No. 3 seed. The regular season championship was the fifth in program history for the Drovers (2014, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2024).

On Friday, the Drovers took a few minutes to get used to the wet field conditions, but from that point forward, it was all USAO. The Drovers claimed the lead in the 25^th minute as Ilse de Jong scored her first goal of the game (11^th of the season). De Jong then extended the lead to 2-0 with another goal in the 33^rd minute, prior to USAO taking a two-goal lead into the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers kept their foot on the gas and never let up, extended the lead to 3-0 in the 68^th minute on de Jong's third goal of the game (13^th of the season). Daniela Salinas struck for her 18^th goal of the season in the 70^th minute of action, assisted by Ashlee Davison. 

USAO's final goal came in the 87^th minute as Emali Goulas tallied her fourth goal of the season, assisted by Daniela Salinas. 

As a team, USAO attempted 18 shots, with 13 being on goal, while MACU attempted only eight shots, two of which were on target. The Evangels were whistled for 11 fouls, while the Drovers committed six infractions. USAO attempted five corner kicks and MACU had two attempts out of the offensive corners. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped both shots she faced, earning her 14th win of the season. With the victory, Lonberg owns an incredible career win-loss record to 25-2-1.

Daniela Salinas now ranks second in the Sooner Athletic Conference in goals (18), as well as second in points (40). Ashlee Davison ranks second in the conference with 10 assists, closely followed by Ilse de Jong in fourth with eight helpers. De Jong also ranks fifth in the conference in goals scored (13) and fifth in points (34).

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers now advance to their 10^th consecutive SAC Tournament championship game as they travel to Siloam Springs, Ark. to face top seeded John Brown University. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT on Monday, November 11 at Alumni Field, located on the campus of JBU.

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