CLAREMORE, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State kicked off the 2017 campaign on the road as they headed to Claremore to take on Rogers State Thursday evening. The Hillcats fired 19 shots at the Ranger goal, handing Northwestern their first loss of the season.

The Rangers got some early help from the soccer gods as a Hillcat forward rang one off the post, just past the outstretched arm of keeper Kylee Loustaunau only two minutes into the game. RSU controlled the ball for better part of the first five minutes before Northwestern was able to break out of their own end.

Rogers State managed to keep possession for much of the first half, maintaining constant pressure on the Ranger defense. RSU opened the scoring after Loustaunau was caught out of position trying to reel in a stray header, leading to a goal in the 27^th minute by Hillcat senior Daisy Cardona.

Northwestern showed signs of life in the 37^th minute when Erica Hostetter's free kick led to a scoring chance by junior Kim Bell, but her shot was blocked by a defender just shy of the goal line.

NWOSU caught a break when the Hillcats appeared to have extended their lead to two, but the goal was called off when the referee ruled that an RSU forward was offside. Despite facing a flurry of 12 shots in the opening half, the Rangers were able to keep Rogers State within reach, heading into halftime down 1-0.

The second half began with a scare as San Bernardino Valley College transfer Calvonis Prentice left the game after what appeared to be a head injury and had to be helped off the field by training staff, but the junior midfielder made her way back onto the field four minutes later.

The Hillcats would go up 2-0 in the 70^th minute after a long throw-in led to a Janell Hernandez goal, before a defensive breakdown three minutes later culminated in a goal by RSU forward Alexis Prior.

After showing significant improvement in the pre-season, Northwestern's offense was held to just two shots with only one finding the target. Sophomore Hollie Pankake tried to make something happen with a solid corner kick with just over two minutes to play, but the scoring chance was thwarted as the Hillcat goalkeeper punched the ball out of midair to end the threat.

The Rangers went on to drop their season opener 3-0 in Claremore.

Up Next
Northwestern will continue their early season road swing in Talequah, Okla. on Saturday, September 2 when they take on Northeastern State University. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

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