SHAWNEE – Oklahoma Baptist earned a 2-2 double-overtime draw against Texas A&M-Commerce on Tuesday at the OBU Soccer Complex. The Bison moved their record to 1-3-1 in the process.
There were shot opportunities galore for the Bison to end up on top. By game's end, OBU had nearly doubled up A&M-Commerce in attempts (26-14) and it held an 11-7 advantage in on-goal shots.
Before the 38
th minute when OBU broke the scoreless tie, the green and gold had five good looks. Two of those shots came to
Tori Kitchel while three more players attempted. Each of those, though, were denied by Lions' goalie Jen Peters. The Bison's hard work finally came through with seven minutes until the break.
After an A&M-Commerce foul, a free kick came near the top of 18. Freshman
Ellie Frost retrieved the loose ball, made a simple tap-pass forward and watched as sophomore
Alanna Bloomingdale fired into the top of the net.
That score remained until the 61
st minute. At the point, a cross from Savanna Puccio was one-timed off the right foot of Kaitlyn Valaitis who found herself alone seven yards in front of the net.
Oklahoma Baptist then scored a little over three minutes later.
Hannah Evans patrolled right of the 18-yard box and passed to an open
Kaylee Swaner who shot into the lower-left corner.
Not to be outdone, the visitors once more found an equalizer. And it occurred just 35 seconds after Swaner's goal. From inside the box, right side, Lydia Myers was fed by teammate Karalie Morrison. Her shot went over the outstretched arms of OBU goalie
Ireland Jeffrey.
In the final 25 minutes of the second half, each team had a few more looks but nothing rang true.
During the overtime sessions, quality shot attempts weren't really found. There were just two combined attempts from the schools.
OBU will now have a 16-day layoff before opening Great American Conference play against Harding on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at home.
