#23 USAO Blanks LSUS and Extends Home Win Streak

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday night, the No. 23 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (1-1-1 0-0 SAC) cruised to an impressive 4-0 victory against LSU Shreveport (0-3, 0-0 RRAC). With the win, the Drovers improve to 14-0-1 on their home turf since Oct. 12, 2023. The Drovers and Pilots have plenty of recent history, with USAO having won each of their last six meetings since 2018.

The Drovers claimed the lead less that 10 minutes into the contest as Ashlyn Lonberg launched a ball deep down the field and Ashlee Davison chipped the ball over the opposing keeper for her first goal of the season. USAO doubled the lead in the 33^rd minute as Ilse de Jong scored another incredible free-kick goal near midfield, barely clearing the keeper's leap in the top left corner of the net. The Drovers maintained a two-goal lead going into the break.

Following halftime, USAO added an insurance goal in the 76^th minute as Makenzie Weddle scored her first collegiate goal, assisted by Chiara Morel. Daniela Salinas tallied USAO's final goal in the 82^nd minute, heading in a beautiful crossing pass from Paula Casajus.

As a team, USAO attempted 21 shots, with eight being on goal, while LSUS attempted just five shots, two of which were on target. The Pilots were whistled for five fouls, while the Drovers committed six infractions.

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped both shots that came her way, clinching the ninth shutout of her marvelous career. She improves her record to 27-4-2 in the green and gold. Additionally, she dished out her first career assist in Saturday's win.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Monday, Sept. 1 as they host Hastings College (Neb.). Kick-off is scheduled for 11:00 AM CT at McLaughlin 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 USAO 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