FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University women's soccer team (7-4, 3-2 SAC) suffered a 2-1 Sooner Athletic Conference loss at the hands of the University of Science & Arts (OK) (13-1, 4-1 SAC) at Martin Field on Friday.
The Drovers controlled the ball throughout the first half to the tune of a 12-4 shot count. However, the Lady Rams converted their very first shot attempt when
Alexis Michaelkovich scored off an assist from
Kaitlin Bush in the 11th minute.
The Lady Rams came around in the second half, and looked as if they would close out their fourth shutout of the season. However, in the 85th minute, Jade Ovendale drew a foul in the box and netted the ensuing penalty kick to tie the game 1-1.
Just 1:23 later, Ovendale blasted a shot from the top of the box that hit the crossbar. Before the Rams could clear it, Ryah Vyse found the net with the game-winner.
"This was a hard fought game between two quality teams," commented head coach Josh Gibbs. "Credit to USAO. They found a way to score the winner and we didn't. It's tough to take because I thought we played with incredible heart and effort. We just couldn't pull out the win. We will regroup over the weekend and set our sights on Tuesday evening."
For the game, the Drovers outshot the Rams 21-10 and led 3-1 in corner kicks. The Drovers also led 13-7 in fouls.
Nikki Lockwood (7-4) made seven saves in the loss, while Addie Lee made two saves for USAO.
The Lady Rams will return to action on Tuesday, when they host Wayland Baptist University. That SAC game is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. start at Martin Field.
Ramblings
- Bush has either scored or assisted nine of the Lady Rams' last ten goals.
- Michaelkovich's goal was her seventh of the season.
- Seven saves matched Lockwood's season high. She also stopped seven shots in a home win over Texas A&M-Texarkana.
