Drovers Stretch Shutout Streak to Four Against #23 Columbia College

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (4-2-2, 0-0 SAC) extended their shutout streak to four with an impressive 1-0 victory against No. 23 ranked Columbia College (0-4-1, 0-0 AMC). With the win, the Drovers avenge last season's loss in the second round of the NAIA Tournament in Columbia, Mo.

The postseason rematch from a year ago was very evenly matched and both teams had great chances to score, but the defenses ruled the day. The only goal of the contest came in the 82^nd minute as Chiara Morel scored her second of the season, assisted by Ashlee Davison and Paula Casajus. 

As a team, USAO attempted a total of 21 shots, with 10 being on goal, while Columbia attempted 16 shots, eight of which were on target. The Cougars were whistled for six fouls, while the Drovers committed eight infractions. CC had three corner-kicks, in comparison to USAO's five attempts out of the offensive corners. 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped all eight shots that came her way, clinching the 13^th shutout of her marvelous career. She improves her record to 30-5-3 in the green and gold. The clean sheet is the fourth in as many games for Lonberg, who is also the reigning SAC Defensive Player of the Week, following last week's pair of shutouts in Colorado against No. 3 College of Idaho and No. 14 Embry-Riddle.

In Saturday's win, USAO's stellar defense stretched their shutout streak to four games, and a staggering total of 409 minutes. Furthermore, three of the four shutouts have come against nationally ranked opponents (No. 3 College of Idaho, No. 14 Embry-Riddle, No. 23 Columbia).

USAO's strength of schedule is very impressive this season, and seven of their opening 10 matchups are against opponents that are ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. Thus far, they are 4-2-2 overall with wins against No. 3 College of Idaho, No. 23 Columbia, LSU Shreveport, and Southwestern (Kan.), and losses against No. 13 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) and RV Hastings (Neb.). The Drovers earned a pair of ties against No. 14 Embry-Riddle and RV Concordia (Neb.). 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 20 as they host their final non-conference matchup of the regular season against Stephens College. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 PM CT at McLaughlin Field. 

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