Rangers take the Bison to overtime

ALVA, Okla.. – Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers returned home to start their two-game home stand Thursday evening. The Rangers would battle but in the end fall in overtime 3-2 to Oklahoma Baptist.

"I am pleased with how we responded to adversity a few times in the match tonight," said Head Coach Erik Solberg on the match. "Thought we responded in a positive way after the penalty kick call. We were able to bring the game back to level. Credit to Oklahoma Baptist they came out hungry getting the second goal. Once again though we didn't quit, instead showed our character to bring it back to level once more. Had enough chances to win but unfortunately the ball didn't bounce our way in overtime."

The Rangers' offense got off to a slow start, as the Bison got the first eight shots off. The defense stood strong, stopping the first seven shots. OBU drew a penalty kick at the 19:04 mark and took full advantage. Reagan Mann capitalized on her opportunity giving the Bison the 1-0 lead in the first half.

NWOSU gained some control getting two shots, however OBU was able to defend both times. After a stalemate for a little while neither team could gain any sort of momentum after trading shots and possession.

That was until late in the first half when it entered the 42nd minute of the game when redshirt-senior Kaley Whitworth found the back of the net on the right side getting the equalizing goal assisted by Makayla Barrientos.

Halftime stood at 1-1 game.

Northwestern started the second half strong, gaining early possession and having multiple scoring opportunities with a corner kick along with two other shots. Oklahoma Baptist defense prevailed, though. After OBU found a little rhythm the team ran into another stalemate as things became even again.

Morgan Krispense of Oklahoma Baptist took advantage of her scoring chance in the 69th minute of the game, giving the BIson a 2-1 lead midway through the second half.

NWOSU gained some control and took advantage of it during the 81st minute of the game. At the 81:36 mark sophomore forward Alyssa Nunez capitalized on the scoring chance with a goal to the center of the night, assisted by Hollie Pankake and Makayla Barrientos (2).

The game stayed tied at the end of regulation at 2, and forced NWOSU into their fourth overtime game.

After Rangers controlled the beginning part of overtime, getting the first three shots off, and then the Bison got two yellow cards. As play resumed it seemed to spark the Bison to attack, as they got the golden goal two minutes later, winning the match 3-2.

Reyna Gonzalez finished the match with 11 saves on 14 shots. Whitworth led the Rangers with 6 shots followed by Yazmin Gomez and Barrientos with 3 each. OBU outshot the Rangers 23-17 overall and 14-8 on goal.

The loss drops the Rangers to 6-10-1 on the year and 3-7-1 in conference play.