SHAWNEE – Northeastern State scored a pair of goals within roughly 2:30 minutes of each other during Wednesday's non-conference matchup with Oklahoma Baptist.
With that, the visitors from Tahlequah secured a 2-0 win and improved their record to 3-0. As for the Bison, they moved their early-season record to 0-2-1.
The RiverHawks relied on a late first-half surge to secure the victory.
Sydney Taylor broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, slotting home a pass from Brynn Baldon to put NSU in front.
Just over two minutes later, freshman Mya Lynn Tran doubled the advantage. After an NSU corner kick was headed by an OBU defender, Tran provided a header of her own into the lower-left corner to give Northeastern State a 2-0 cushion heading into halftime.
Despite the early setbacks, Oklahoma Baptist created some decent opportunities, outshooting the RiverHawks 13-12.
The Bison pressed in both halves, forcing NSU goalkeeper Rebecca Partyka into four saves, but ultimately could not find the breakthrough.
Ashley Bell and
Addison Gray each put attempts on target, while late efforts from
Lex Williamson and
Ajae Belliston tested the back line.
Plus, there were a couple good crossing passes including one from
Hali White to
Sam Sheffield in the first stanza that OBU nearly fired on.
NSU's backfield, anchored by Lillian Meeks and Hannah Anderson, absorbed OBU's pressure and limited second-chance opportunities. The RiverHawks' depth also made an impact, with substitutes accounting for six of their 12 shots, including Tran's goal.
The Bison will look to regroup as they continue non-conference play on Saturday, Sept. 13 with a 2 p.m. match versus Texas Woman's.
