Unbeaten Streak Reaches 12 as #20 USAO Shuts Out Central Christian

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Tuesday evening, the No. 20 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-2-5, 4-0-3 SAC) stretched their unbeaten streak to 12 games with a 1-0 shutout win on the road at Central Christian College (3-11-2, 1-6 SAC). In head-to-head matchups, the Drovers are 11-0 against the Tigers in the all-time series, dating to October 2017.

The Drovers dominated the possession of the ball in the opening half but were only able to strike for one goal and took a slim lead into halftime. USAO's lone goal in the opening 45 minutes came off the foot of Paula Casajus for the eighth time this season, assisted by Chiara Schillinger in the 35^th minute.

Following halftime, the Drovers maintained possession of the ball and continued to apply pressure on the Central Christian defense but were unable to add to the lead. Thankfully, USAO's overpowering offense was a tremendous defense, as they held the Tigers to only one shot attempt in the entire game.

Meanwhile, the Drovers attempted a total of 35 shots, with 12 being on goal, while CCC attempted the solo shot, which was not on frame.

The Tigers were whistled for four fouls, while the Drovers committed nine infractions. Central Christian had zero corner-kicks, in comparison to USAO's 10 attempts out of the offensive corners.

Ashlyn Lonberg got the start between the pipes for USAO and claimed the 15^th shutout of her career and improved her record to 34-5-6.

Paula Casajus is now one of three Drovers that have struck for eight goals so far this season, joining Ilse de Jong and Dagbjort Gudmundsdottir.

With two games remaining in the regular season, the Drovers currently sit in third place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with a 4-0-3 record in conference play. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams qualify for the SAC Tournament, with the top four teams hosting quarterfinal matchups on Nov. 5. The highest remaining seeds will host for the semifinals and finals.

USAO has appeared in the last 10 SAC Tournament Championship games, including each of the last five coming against John Brown University. In total, the Drovers have claimed seven tournament championships in program history (2001, 2002, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019).

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return home for Senior Night on Saturday, Oct. 25 as they host Southwestern Christian University. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM CT at McLaughlin Field.

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