Casajus’ Hat-Trick Highlights #22 USAO’s Shutout Against Texas Wesleyan

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Tuesday evening, the No. 22 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-2-3, 1-0-1 SAC) stretched their unbeaten streak to seven games with a dominant 5-0 triumph against Texas Wesleyan University (2-5-2, 0-2 SAC). In head-to-head matchups, the Drovers hold a commanding 14-2-2 advantage in the all-time series against the Rams, dating to 2011.

USAO has held opponents scoreless in six of their last seven contests, and during that stretch they have outscored their foes 22-1. Furthermore, three of those six shutouts have come against nationally ranked opponents (No. 5 College of Idaho, No. 12 Embry-Riddle, RV Columbia). 

Following 10 minutes of scoreless action to begin Tuesday's game, the Drovers claimed the lead as Paula Casajus scored her first goal of the game, assisted by Clara Rodriguez. Casajus scored her second of the game just four minutes later, assisted by Ashlee Davison. Dagbjort Gudmundsdottir extended the lead with her fourth goal of the season, once again assisted by Davison in the 16^th minute. 

In the 19^th minute, Casajus completed the hat-trick as Davison distributed her third helper of the half. USAO cruised into halftime with a comfortable 4-0 advantage.

Following the break, the Drovers scored the final goal of the game in the 54^th minute as Daniela Salinas struck twine for the second time his season, courtesy of an assist from Emali Goulas.

As a team, USAO attempted a total of 32 shots, with 14 being on goal, while Texas Wesleyan attempted two shots, both of which were on frame. The Rams were whistled for five fouls, while the Drovers committed three infractions. TX WES had zero corner-kicks, in comparison to USAO's 16 attempts out of the offensive corners. 

With her hat-trick, Paula Casajus has tallied six goals this season, all of which have come in the team's last three games played. She currently ranks eighth in the Sooner Athletic Conference in goals (6), as well as ninth in points (14).

Ashlee Davison's three assists propel her into third in the conference (5). 

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start between the pipes for USAO and stopped the only shot that came her way, moving her career record to 31-5-4 at USAO. Additionally, it's the 14^th shutout as a Drover. 

Cato Hilgenkamp took over for the final 20 minutes and stopped the only shot that she faced. 

USAO's stellar combination of defenders and goalkeepers have held opponents to only eight goals this season, which ranks second in the Sooner Athletic Conference. 

USAO's strength of schedule has been very impressive this season, and seven of their opening 10 matchups came against opponents that are ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. Thus far, they are 6-2-3 overall with wins against No. 5 College of Idaho, RV Columbia, LSU Shreveport, Southwestern (Kan.), Stephens College (Mo.), and Texas Wesleyan.

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 Saturday, Oct. 4 make the short trip to Oklahoma City to face rival Mid-America Christian University. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM CT at Dill Soccer Field. 

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