Lady Bison Shut Out Tigers in GAC Opener

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Oklahoma Baptist women's soccer opened up Great American Conference play with a clean sheet as they dropped Ouachita Baptist, 2-0, on the road at Kluck Field in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, on Thursday afternoon.
 
Sometimes the best defense is a good offense, and the Lady Bison weren't shy on the offensive side of the field. Oklahoma Baptist peppered Ouachita Baptist's goal for 32 shots, including 17 shots on goal.
 
After being held scoreless in the first half, Hannah White found the breakthrough OBU was looking for quickly after halftime, heading home Kelsey Bumgarner's cross from close range in the 52nd minute to spoil a strong performance from Ouachita's Erin Webster. Emmily Infante then curled a free kick into the left corner from 25 yards out and the Lady Bison saw out the final 30 minutes to open league play 1-0.
 
The defense of Jennifer Goethe, Lara Haring-Lovett, Rachel Beiermann and Bumgarner, as well as subs Dely Chavez, Ashleigh Gruns and Hannah Evans, secured their first shut out of the season while limiting the Tigers to just three shots on goal. Emily Griffith tidied up all three efforts that managed to get past the solid defensive line to secure her first career clean sheet for the Green and Gold.
 
"Today was a solid team effort," said OBU head coach Michael White. "I couldn't be more proud of the effort they gave. The heat and humidity gave us a challenge, but we stayed in the game and came away with the win. Anytime you can win a conference game on the road, it's a good sign."
 
Oklahoma Baptist (5-1, 1-0 GAC) continues their two-match GAC road swing in Arkansas on Saturday, Sept. 23 when they meet Harding in Searcy at 11 a.m. at the Stevens Soccer Complex.