By: Andrew Korba
ADA-Freshman Kristina Klusek took a pass from
sophomore Sami Atkinson in the 95th minute and
beat the goalkeeper to give the No. 16 Ohio Northern women’s
soccer team a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory over Scranton (Pa.)
Saturday afternoon at the ONU Soccer Field.
With the win, the Polar Bears advance to the second round and
are now 16-2-2, while the Royals conclude their season at
13-4-3.
The overtime period began with Scranton firing two shots, one of
which was on goal.
The Polar Bears then gained possession in their own zone and
Atkinson got the ball along the left side and sent a high cross to
the right side of the field that Klusek took out of the air blasted
past the keeper into the upper left corner of the net.
The goal was Klusek’s 12th of the season.
Both halves were very even with Northern putting pressure on at
the end of the game.
Senior Alyssa Merrick fired a shot in the 87th
minute that hit the post. She would fire another shot a few seconds
later that hit the crossbar.
Senior Chelsea Chadwick also had a shot on
goal, but a diving stop was made by Royals goalie Kelsy
McAnelly.
“I am very proud of our girls today,” head coach
Mark Batman said. “They persevered through
some tough times in the match and took advantage of the
opportunity. We will move onto tomorrow very confident.”
Junior goalie Erin Waehner posted her eighth
shutout of the season by making four saves.
Northern outshot the Royals by a 13-9 margin.
Ohio Northern will be in action tomorrow when they face off
against the winner of the Ithaca in the second round game at 1
p.m.