Drovers Advance to SAC Semifinals with Win Against SCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday night, the No. 22 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (16-1-1, 8-1 SAC) opened the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament with a 3-1 victory against Southwestern Christian University (3-8-5, 2-6-1 SAC). The Drovers are now 16-1 against the Eagles all-time, dating back to October of 2013. Furthermore, USAO has won each of the last 11 meetings against SCU. When the Drovers and Eagles met earlier this season, USAO came away with the 3-1 victory on the road in Bethany, Okla. 

The Drovers are the No. 2 seed in the tournament, after earning a share of the conference's regular season championship, meanwhile the Eagles entered as the No. 7 seed. The regular season championship was the fifth in program history for the Drovers (2014, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2024).

On Tuesday, the Drovers quickly claimed the lead as Paula Casajus scored her eighth goal of the season, assisted by Ilse de Jong in the 7^th minute of the game. USAO then extended their lead to 2-0 in the 26^thminute as Daniela Salinas scored her 17^th goal of the season in epic fashion, striking a volley over the keeper's head. 

SCU managed to cut their deficit in half with a goal in the 38^th minute, but USAO clung to a 2-1 advantage going into halftime. 

Following halftime, the Drovers clung to the one-goal lead until the 79^th minute when Kylie Yousey scored her first of the season on a penalty kick, giving USAO some needed insurance in the final minutes of regulation.

As a team, USAO attempted 16 shots, with 10 being on goal, while SCU attempted only four shots, three of which were on target. The Eagles were whistled for five fouls, while the Drovers committed six infractions. USAO attempted six corner kicks and SCU had one attempt out of the offensive corners. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped two of the three shots she faced, earning her 13th win of the season. With the victory, Lonberg owns an incredible career win-loss record to 24-2-1.

Daniela Salinas now ranks second in the Sooner Athletic Conference in goals (17), as well as second in points (37). Ashlee Davison ranks second in the conference with nine assists, closely followed by Ilse de Jong in fourth with eight helpers. De Jong also ranks fifth in the conference in goals scored (10) and sixth in points (28).

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now host a semifinal matchup against No. 3 seed Mid-America Christian University on Friday, November 8 at 7:00 PM CT at McLaughlin Field.

Stay up to date on all Drover 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