ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Ouachita erased a second-half, 1-0 deficit and defeated Oklahoma Baptist 2-1 in an intense matchup on Wednesday in Great American Conference play at Kluck Field. Going into the match, both teams were tied for first in the standings.
Now through four GAC contests, Ouachita is 3-0-1 while Oklahoma Baptist and Harding are tied for second at 2-1-1. This coming Saturday, the Bison and HU will square off in Shawnee.
The first half heavily favored the visitors who held an 8-2 shots advantage, including a 6-0 lead in on-goal attempts.
Annabelle Joski,
Sam Sheffield and
Olivia Kenas all had good looks within the first 21 minutes of action, however, Ouachita's goalkeeper, Carina Chavarria, was a wall, recording several saves.
A scoring breakthrough came in the second half at the 64:51 mark when
Lex Williamson scored a well-placed shot off a short corner from
Ashley Bell, giving them a 1-0 lead. The advantage, however, was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Ouachita's McKenna Wright responded, finding the back of the net with an assist from Isabella Savattere.
The match remained tightly contested, with both sides exchanging opportunities. However, in the 84th minute, Ouachita took control when Allison Reece netted the game-winner, thanks to a precise cross from Reese Brown who navigated near the right end line and passed to her open teammate.
Oklahoma Baptist fought until the final whistle, but Ouachita's defense held firm, securing the 2-1 win. The Bison ended up outshooting Ouachita, 17-6, but the resilient goalkeeping from Chavarria, who recorded eight saves, proved decisive.
Emma Teague, Williamson and Sheffield led the Bison with three shots apiece to lead the offense.
