SHSU Women's soccer team dealt first conference loss

The Bearkat Women’s Soccer team came out on the wrong end of a double overtime thriller against Oral Roberts Sunday afternoon, receiving their first Southland Conference loss of the season.

Through most of the contest, the Golden Eagles controlled the ball and had many opportunities to put goals on the board, outshooting the Bearkats, 28-8. Thirteen of those efforts were on goal, but SHSU goalkeeper Kylie Hambleton kept the game scoreless with an outstanding performance of twelve straight saves.

With only 17 seconds remaining in the second sudden death overtime, the Golden Eagles were able to ultimately cash in on a scoring occasion. ORU midfielder, Whitney Booth, took control of the ball in the right corner of the pitch, crossing it into the penalty area.  Jennifer Abertnathy headed the cross towards the middle of the goal where Kalya Keller finished with the game winner.

 The match marked the fifth time this season the Bearkats have played past regulation.

Junior midfielder, Tricia Mallory, led the Bearkats with three shots on goal. One of those shots was blocked by a Golden Eagle defender in the 18th minute and her header was saved in the 54th minute.

The Bearkats fell to 5-8-1 for the season and 2-1-1 in league play. Oral Roberts is now 8-4-2 for the season and 2-1 in Southland Conference action.

The next match for the Bearkats is a 7 p.m. home contest at Pritchett Field Friday Oct. 12 against the Northwestern State Demons.