WEATHERFORD, Okla. - Northwestern Oklahoma State women's soccer was unable to overcome a 4-0 halftime deficit, dropping the first of two contests against in-state rivals Southwestern Oklahoma State in a 5-2 loss. 

In search of their first win of the season, the Rangers traveled south to Weatherford for their Great American Conference opener. The Bulldogs (4-2, 1-0 GAC) were coming off a 2-1 loss at San Angelo State on Sunday, and Northwestern was looking to take advantage. 

But the Bulldogs had other plans.

The Rangers managed to stave off SWOSU for the first fifteen minutes of play, but a shot off the Ranger crossbar was quickly secured by Kodi Holloway who gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead in the 19^th minute. Hannah Burks followed the Holloway goal with a strike of her own just three minutes later, giving the hosts an early 2-0 advantage. 

Northwestern's only chance of the first half came when Calvonis Prentice's shot was blocked in front of the net. The blocked shot would be the only offensive threat that the black-and-red could assemble in the opening frame. Senior midfielder Erica Hostetter was issued a yellow card in the 35^th minute of the first half.

Southwestern found the back of the net two more times before the break, taking a 4-0 lead into halftime while outshooting the Rangers 11-1. The Bulldogs picked up right where they left off in the second half, scoring 2:40 after the whistle as Alimata Rabo picked up her eighth goal of the season.

The Rangers finally showed signs of life in the 67^th minute when Jordan Gomes found junior Karla Lopez who booted home her third tally of the year. Northwestern would cut into the lead again in the 82^nd minute after newcomer Brittany Cirnigliaro recorded her first goal in a Ranger uniform to make it a 5-2 game. The Rangers pressed on just one minute later with Makayla Barrientos' shot saved by the Bulldog keeper. The rebound came back to the Dallas native but her second chance missed wide of the goal.

Northwestern's late game pressure wasn't enough to take down Southwestern as the Rangers went on to lose 5-2.

Up Next
The Rangers will continue their road swing on Saturday, Sep. 23 when they face-off against the Tigers of East Central University. Game time is slated for 11 a.m. in Ada, Okla. at Tiger Field.

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