The OAC finals match on Saturday saw the Polar Bears take the #3 ranked Cardinals into overtime for the second time this season. However, again it was not meant to be as Otterbein would find the game winner in the third minute of overtime to end the match.
The first half began with the Cardinals finding some early looks in the Northern defensive end, but strong overall play from the Polar Bear back four would keep Otterbein off the scoreboard. As the half wore on ONU would push forward to try to find the first goal of the match. Freshman Sami Atkinson would come close after getting on the end of a corner delivered by junior Alyssa Merrick but her attempt on goal would be saved off the line. The game would remain scoreless into half time.
With the sound of the whistle to begin the second half, the Polar Bears picked up the pressure on the entire Cardinal squad. The ONU midfielders and back four made their presence known by challenging for and winning almost every 50/50 ball. Similarly, the ONU offense did not let up either as they would out shoot Otterbein and hold the edge in corner kicks in the second half. Despite momentum being on their side a goal was not to be found in regulation.
Once again the game would be decided in overtime. The Polar bears would start the overtime period well by holding the majority of ball possession. However, just a few minutes in overtime Otterbein would earn a corner to set up the eventual game winner. With the loss, Northern ends their season at 13-6-1 as OAC Tournament runners up.
Despite the season ending with a tough loss, there are many reasons to be proud to be a Polar Bear! Thank you to the family, friends, and fans that have given their tremendous support this year!
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