ALVA, Okla. – Audrey Salas scored her first goal in a Ranger uniform Thursday night, but her penalty kick goal wasn't enough as the Northwestern Oklahoma State women's soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision to the Ouachita Baptist Tigers.
The Tigers built up a 3-0 lead in the first half as goals from Shannon Stribling, Ashlyn Heckman and Jaymee Dotson put the Rangers in an early hole despite strong play.
After Northwestern head coach James Ross made adjustments at the break, the red-and-black came out fast and physical in the second half, controlling the pace for most of the frame.
The Rangers caught a break in the 58th minute when a foul in the box led to the team being awarded its first penalty kick this season. Salas got the nod to take the shot and made the most of her chance as she drove the ball into the top left corner of the cage, cutting the deficit to two.
Northwestern managed 18 shots, its second-highest total of the season, but couldn't solve Ouachita goalkeeper Erin Webster down the stretch. Ranger goalie Reagan Allen and Webster each made eight saves in the match.
Yellow cards were issued to Northwestern's Tiana Young-Mauchly as well as Ouachita's Jaymee Dotson and Carmen Scott in a contest that saw 23 fouls committed.
Northwestern will play its final home game of the 2018 season Saturday when they host the Harding Bisons on senior day. The Rangers will honor seven graduating seniors for their hard work and dedication to the women's soccer program prior to the 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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