WINFIELD, Kan. — The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma showed why it is one of the NAIA's nationally respected programs, but Southwestern College held its ground in a narrow 1-0 non-conference loss Wednesday night at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.
A year removed from a trip to the NAIA national tournament, the Drovers displayed their offensive firepower throughout the match, generating 30 total shots and 12 corner kicks. The Moundbuilders' defense, however, absorbed wave after wave of pressure and limited the damage to a single goal.
Dagbjort Gudmundsdottir scored the decisive goal in the 13th minute, finishing off a pass from Daniela Salinas. From there, Southwestern tightened up defensively and leaned on senior goalkeeper Hayden Clark to keep the contest within reach. Clark turned in a standout performance with 17 saves on 18 shots on goal, frustrating USAO's attack for much of the night.
Southwestern's offense had limited opportunities but nearly found an equalizer in the second half when Jamie Lawrence forced Drovers' goalkeeper Ashlyn Lonberg into her lone save of the match.
Despite being outshot, the Moundbuilders contained one of the nation's more explosive teams and left with confidence as they turn toward conference play.
Southwestern (0-3) opens Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference action Sept. 17 against Friends University in Wichita. USAO improved to 3-2-2 with the victory.
