Northern Falters in the OAC Semi Final

Ohio Northern dropped the OAC Semi Final yesterday at home to John Carroll University. With the loss, the Polar Bears now stand at 15-2-2 overall while the Blue Streaks move on to play Capital for the OAC Tournament title on Sunday.

Solid play from both sides created a stalemate of a first half as neither team was able to find the back of the net. A strong defensive showing from the Polar Bears with Erin Waehner in goal kept the Blue Streaks at bay for the first 45. After a scoreless first half, both teams came out of halftime hungry for a goal and the chance to move onto the final. Northern seemed to have the edge in momentum as the ONU attack kept the Blue Streaks on their toes for the entire half. However, in the 78th minute John Carroll converted a free kick just outside the ONU box after a foul was called in their favor. This would be the only dangerous opportunity allowed by the Northern defense but it was enough to give JCU a goal and the lead. The Polar Bears responded strongly for the remaining minutes by testing the JCU keeper but the best opportunity would come off a shot by Alyssa Merrick which was cleared just off the JCU line with 2 minutes to go. Despite a 7-2 advantage in corners and out shooting JCU in the half the Polar Bears were unable to find the equalizer. With the loss, Northern now looks for the chance to receive an at large bid to continue their season in the NCAA Tournament.