The Polar Bears got their first home win of the 2012 season in dramatic fashion on Wednesday with an overtime win against the Battling Bishops of OhioWesleyan. With five games into the young season, Northern's overall record now stands at 3-0-2. The match marked another tough in region game for the Polar Bears as OWU came in as the reigning NCAC champions. While ONU had the edge on possession during the first half, the scoreline and stats remained relatively even until the late minutes when the Bishops picked up a loose ball on the edge of the 18 to strike first on the scoreboard. After the break the Bears came out ready to take the game over. Their renewed attitude would pay off as Kristina Klusek would score her third goal of the season off of the assist from Junior, Lauren Brown. Stifling defense from the Polar Bears would allow OWU just a single shot in the half while the relentless Northern attack took 15. Despite the shift in attack and some close calls from Sandy Plunkett and Klusek the OWU keeper came up with a couple of key saves to force the game into overtime. Despite being in an all too familiar position, this time Northern was determined to get the win and not settle for another overtime tie. The Bears continued to press the OWU back line in overtime. In the third minute, Sandy Plunkett would nod on a corner from Junior Co Captain Abbie Schauble. Plunkett's ball traveled across the goal to Sandra Thorarensen who was ready to poke in the game winner. Thorarensen's goal would mark her third goal in two games.
"This was a great result for our kids", said head coach Mark Batman. "We did not play with a lot of urgency or desire in the first half and we paid for it by being down at the break. But, the girls showed tons of character and drive and they overcame the setback to score two unanswered. We haven't been down by a goal this season. We have always had the lead, so this was a great test for our kids. This was a great in region result for us as OWU will certainly go on and do well this season."
Up next, the Polar Bears hit the road as the travel to take on Mount St. Joseph this Saturday. Kick off is set for 2p.
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