WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Women's soccer was back on the pitch Monday for the first time in nine days as they took on the Southwestern Oklahoma State Bulldogs (9-3-1, 7-1-0 GAC). Northwestern Oklahoma State (1-9-1, 1-6-0 GAC) slowed the powerful SWOSU offensive attack but were held off the scoresheet in a 2-0 loss.
After having games against East Central and Southwestern postponed last week because of inclement weather across the state, the Rangers returned to action against the Great American Conference's second ranked team. Southwestern opened the scoring 33 minutes into the contest when Bulldog Alimata Rabo beat Ranger freshman goalkeeper Reagan Allen.
Northwestern recorded seven shots in the game with four of those on goal (Karla Lopez, Pricilla Villalobos, Alyssa Nunez, Yazmin Gomez). The Rangers staved off pressure late in the frame to head into halftime trailing SWOSU 1-0.
Tensions were high in the second half as the red-and-black were issued three yellow cards in a closely contested game that saw 23 combined fouls. The Bulldogs scored again in the 73rd minute to extend their lead to 2-0, a deficit that the Rangers were unable to overcome.
With just five regular-season games remaining on the schedule, Northwestern will look to finish out its campaign on a high note beginning this weekend with home matches against Ouachita Baptist and Harding. The Tigers (6-7, 4-4 GAC) come into town Thursday, October 18 for a 6 p.m. game before the Bisons (5-7, 5-3 GAC) follow Saturday, October 20.
The Rangers will honor seven graduating seniors for their hard work and dedication to the women's soccer program prior to Saturday's game. Haleigh Brown, Clarissa Hinojo, Karla Lopez, Megan Maharry, Calvonis Prentice, Audrey Salas and Kaley Whitworth will all take the pitch at the Alva Rec Complex for the final time wearing the red-and-black at 11 a.m.
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