#22 USAO Begins SAC-Play with a 1-1 Tie Against #6 JBU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the No. 22 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-2-3, 0-0 SAC) began conference-play with a hard fought 1-1 draw against No. 6 John Brown University (3-2-3, 0-0 SAC).

The women's game was once again a top 25 matchup, as the Drovers entered as the No. 22 ranked team in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll, while the Golden Eagles entered at No. 6. Furthermore, USAO and JBU shared last season's SAC regular season championship, and they have met in each of the last five SAC Tournament Championship games. In total, the Drovers have appeared in the last 10 conference tournament title games. In head-to-head matchups, the Golden Eagles hold a 25-11-1 advantage in the all-time series, dating to 2002. 

In the most recent installment of the rivalry, both teams had their chances to score in the first half, but the defenses held strong and took a scoreless tie into the break.

Following halftime, the Drovers claimed the lead in the 69^th minute, as Paula Casajus found the back of the net for the third time this season, courtesy of an assist from Ilse de Jong. However, the Golden Eagles struck for the equalizer in the 80^th minute and neither team was able to crack the tie in the final minutes of regulation.

As a team, USAO attempted a total of 15 shots, with seven being on goal, while John Brown attempted 11 shots, five of which were on target. The Golden Eagles were whistled for only eight fouls, while the Drovers committed 14 infractions. JBU had two 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 four of the five shots that came her way, moving her career record to 30-5-4 at USAO. 

In Saturday's draw, USAO's shutout streak was snapped after five games. JBU's goal was the first in the last 579 minutes played for USAO. Furthermore, three of those five shutouts came against nationally ranked opponents (No. 5 College of Idaho, No. 12 Embry-Riddle, RV Columbia). During the shutout streak, USAO outscored opponents 17-0.

USAO's strength of schedule has been very impressive this season, and seven of their opening 10 matchups have come against opponents that are ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. Thus far, they are 5-2-3 overall with wins against No. 5 College of Idaho, RV Columbia, LSU Shreveport, Southwestern (Kan.), Stephens College (Mo.), and losses against No. 20 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) and RV Hastings (Neb.). The Drovers earned a trio of ties against No. 6 John Brown, No. 12 Embry-Riddle and RV Concordia (Neb.). 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to the pitch on Tuesday, Sept. 30 as they host Texas Wesleyan University. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM CT at McLaughlin Field.  

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