ALVA, Okla..– Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers returned home to start their two-game home stand Thursday evening. The Rangers would battle but in the end fall in overtime 3-2 to Oklahoma Baptist .
"I am pleased with how we responded to adversity a few times in the match tonight" Head Coach Erik Solberg on tonight's match. "Thought we responded in a positive way after the penalty kick call. We were able to bring the game back to level. Credit to Oklahoma Baptist they came out hungry getting the second goal. Once again though we didn't quit, instead showed our character to bring it back to level once more. Had enough chances to win but unfortunately the ball didn't bounce our way in overtime."
Rangers' offense would get off to a slow start, as the Bison would get the first eight shots off. The defense would stand strong stopping the first seven shots. OBU would draw a penalty kick at the 19:04 mark and take full advantage. Reagan Mann would capitalize on her opportunity giving the Bison the 1-0 lead in the first half.
NWOSU gained some control getting two shots, however OBU was able to defend both times. After a stalemate for a little while neither team could gain any sort of momentum after trading shots and possession.
That was until late in the first half when it entered the 42nd minute of the game when redshirt-senior Kaley Whitworth found the back of the net on the right side getting the equalizing goal assisted by Makayla Barrientos.
Halftime would stand at 1-1 game.
Northwestern would start the 2nd half strong gaining early possession and having multiple scoring opportunities with a corner kick along with two other shots. Oklahoma Baptist defense would prevail though. After OBU would find a little rhythm the team would run into another stalemate as things became even again.
Morgan Krispense of Oklahoma Baptist took advantage of her scoring chance in the 69th minute of the game giving the BIson a 2-1 lead midway through the second half.
NWOSU would gain some control and take advantage of it during the 81st minute of the game. At the 81:36 mark sophomore forward Alyssa Nunez would capitalize on the scoring chance with a goal to the center of the night, assisted by Hollie Pankake and Makayla Barrientos(2).
"I think it is indicative of our team this year. We don't quit. Each time we get behind we fight back" Solberg on his team's response. There really is no quit in this team they don't know what it means. That makes me proud. Eventually we will start getting results and get points out of games like this. We will turn our attention to Saturday and get better"
The game would stay tied at the end of regulation at 2, and would force NWOSU into their fourth overtime game.
After Rangers would control the beginning part of overtime getting the first three shots off and then the Bison would get two yellow cards. As played resumed it seemed to spark the Bison to attack as they get the golden goal two minutes later winning the match 3-2.
Reyna Gonzalez would finish the match with 11 saves on 14 shots. Whitworth would lead the Rangers with 6 shots followed by Yazmin Gomez and Barrientos would 3 each. OBU would out shoot the Rangers 23-17 overall and 14-8 on goal.
The loss drops the Rangers to 6-10-1 on the year and 3-7-1 in conference play.
Northwestern will be home once again on Saturday at 1pm taking on Southern Nazarene. This will be senior day on Saturday please arrive early as pregame activities will take place at 12:45.
