SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist, the No. 2 seed in this week's Great American Conference Tournament, will once again face Northwestern Oklahoma State, the three seed, in one semifinal game. The matchup will take place Thursday morning at 11 a.m. on the campus of Southwestern Oklahoma State in Weatherford.
The winner will move on to face either the host and top-seeded Bulldogs or fourth-seeded Ouachita on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m.
This is the fifth straight season that the Bison have made the conference's four-team tourney. Most recently, the green and gold made the tournament final back in April before falling in overtime to Ouachita. OBU's last GAC Tournament title came during the 2018 campaign.
Coach
Mike White's team should feel confident heading into Thursday's match with the Rangers. OBU has beaten Northwestern twice already this fall including a 2-1 win on Oct. 14 and a 4-1 triumph on Nov. 6.
Leading the way for the Bison are a host of players.
Freshman
Annie Louthan has seven goals and five assists for a team-best 19 points. That point mark slots her fourth in the GAC while her five assists are tied for first. Following right behind Louthan is sophomore
Kaylee Swaner. The crafty midfielder has six goals and is also tied for the GAC lead with five helpers.
Additionally, seniors
Tori Kitchel and
Hannah White have contributed six and seven goals, respectively. Also of note, three more seniors,
Abigail Parker,
Hannah Evans and
Keely Hampton each have tallied multiple goals and assists this fall.
In net is newcomer
Ireland Jeffrey. She leads the GAC in goals against average (0.71) and has six shutouts to her credit. That's due in large part to a really good back line of
Maddison Williams,
Kimmy McKinney and
Asley Baker.
On the other sideline is Northwestern, who qualified for the GAC Tournament for the first time.
The Rangers are led by freshman sensation Tiara Campbell. NWOSU has scored a pair of goals against the Bison this season. And both came from Campbell who is the GAC leader with 19. Aiding Campbell are Isabella McMillan, Cynthia Armas and Alyssa Nunez. Those three players each have recorded four assists this year.
Defending the goal is Reagan Allen. The senior ranks fourth in the conference in both goals against average (1.39) and save percentage (.826).
