ONU Wins on the Road at Wilmington 2-1

The Polar Bears remained one point behind Otterbein College in the last week of OAC action as they beat a very determined Wilmington College soccer team Tuesday night in Wilmington, OH. The first half was a stalemate, with neither team creating any goals from their scoring opportunities. WC had their best chance off a free kick which was redirected at goal, but sophomore goal keeper Kristen Dewees pushed it over the crossbar keeping the game at 0-0. ONU had several good opportunities to take the lead in the first half, but WC's defense held strong and kept the game scoreless going into the half.

The second half started with ONU gaining a corner with just 2 minutes off the clock. Kaitlin Sanders played a great near post ball in towards the WC goal, it passed by a defender and found Lindsay Gilchrist who notched in the first goal of her Polar Bear career. ONU got a second goal as Dewees took a goal kick, which was flicked on by Angie Pisut. That flick found Kaitlin Sanders who then found Jamie Eiben across the midline. Eiben then wieghted a perfect pass to Natalie White splitting the WC defense. She accelerated past the defenders, the gk came out, and White placed the ball over the WC goal keeper making the game 2-0. WC started to apply more pressure, and with about 14 minutes to go in the game, they scored a goal of their own. From that point on, WC threw everything they had at ONU, creating some very good chances, but ONU hung on for the 2-1 win on the road.

"It was a great game for both teams", said head coach Mark Batman. "WC is a very strong opponent, and playing at their place on senior day, brought more emotion to the game for them. They always play a very tough, hard working style of soccer. I felt our players responded to the pressure they were applying and dealt with it extremely well. I am very proud of our players for sticking to our match plan and finding a way to win."

With the win, ONU improves to 13-3-2 overall and 7-1 in the OAC. ONU is currently ranked #3 in the Great Lakes Region and #24 nationally in the latest NSCAA poll. ONU is 1 point behind conference leading Otterbein who still has to play Capital on Saturday. If ONU wins their last game on Friday vs Marietta College and Otterbein ties or loses to Capital on Saturday, ONU will be the 2009 OAC Conference Champions for the 2nd time in 3 seasons.

Thanks to all who came to support us last night; it was a great game and we hope you enjoyed it. ONU is back in action for their last regular season game on Friday at 4p in Marietta, OH.