Season Openers!

What a start for the 2011 Polar Bears! Last week the ONU Women's soccer team kicked off their season with a 3-2 win over the College of Wooster and a dramatic 1-0 overtime win over Earlham!

The great opening day atmosphere got even sweeter when Freshman Kristina Klusek got the Bears on the scoreboard in the 22nd minute when her quick touch was just enough to chip the keeper and find the net. Despite putting on a strong defensive front for the entire first half The Scots would find an equalizer before halftime. With renewed energy and determination ONU would step up the pressure on the Scots in the second half. The Bears would take the lead in the 55th minute after Senior Alyssa Merrick's shot from outside the 18 would find the opposite side netting. With the lead back in hand ONU would continue to create dangerous scoring chances in the Wooster half. However, again the Scots would find the equalizer after being awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute. Not content with a tie, the Polar Bears would press forward and in the 85th minute Freshman Kristina Klusek would get on the end of a pass from Sophomore Sami Atkinson for the game winner. Junior Erin Weahner would get the win in the net while the ONU defense would allow only 4 shots on goal. Thoughts from Coach Batman, “I think we deserved the win today. We had quite a few great scoring chances and I felt we really played well defensively, only allowing a few chances. The girls played fantastic in the heat and did well against a very good team and defending NCAC Champions. I’m very happy for the girls and now look forward to Saturday against a solid Earlham soccer team.”


On Saturday, ONU would take to the road to travel to Earlham for their second game of the season. The 1pm kickoff would take place in the hot Indiana afternoon but the weather was no factor for the Polar bears as they took control from the start. Despite recording 6 shots on goal and many other dangerous scoring opportunities, ONU was unable to find the back of the net and took the scoreless tie into the half. The second half would continue the solid performance from the Bears as again they would post 6 shots while allowing only 2 shots from the Quakers. Regulation time would end and ONU would head into their first overtime of the season. Again the Bears would stifle any scoring chances from the Quakers as they kept up the pressure on all fronts. Finally with just under a minute to go in the first overtime, Sophomore Sami Atkinson would take on her defender, turn the corner and play a ball across the goal line for her classmate Sandy Plunkett to stuff in the back of the net. Plunkett's first goal of the season would give the Polar Bears the win and a 2-0 start to the season. “What a tremendous effort from our team,” said head coach Mark Batman. “On the road, playing a tough defensive team, and dealing with the heat, our players showed what kind of character they have. I’m excited to be a part of this group and really proud of their efforts today. We knew fatigue may be an issue after a tough match on Thursday, but they came here and played hard and adapted to the weather, field, and fans. It was a great result for us and a great start for our season.”


Up next, the Polar Bears travel east to take part in the Engineering Cup hosted by Stevens Institute of Technology. On Saturday September 10th, the Bears take on NYU and on Sunday they play tournament host Stevens.