Four Points in Two Games for Northern

The Polar Bears took four points in two games last week leading up to the final week in regular season conference play. Northern's mid week game took place at Heidelberg where the hosts were also battling for a spot in the conference tournament. From the first whistle ONU would take control of the match and create a handful of early chances at goal. However, the cross bar and the Berg goal keeper would keep point blank shots out of the net and Northern off the scoreboard in the first half. Heidelberg would get one good look at goal in the first half but Erin Waehner came up big to keep the clean sheet. The second half looked much like the first with ONU controlling play and Heidelberg looking to counter. In the 69th minute, Kristina Klusek would break the Berg clean sheet by heading in a well served cross from Junior Lauren Brown. Freshman Alex Hazelet would also get the assist on the goal. Just over five minutes later Klusek would out run her defender to get on the end of a Sami Atkinson pass to put away her eighth goal of the season. The ONU back four did not allow a single shot in the second half from Heidelberg as Waehner earned her seventh shutout of the season.

Just a few days later ONU would host OAC rival John Carroll on Senior Day. While the Polar Bears were eager on Saturday to avenge their upset loss in the OAC Semifinal last season, their sights were also set on the OAC tournament this season as JCU stood in the way. The game was very even from the start as both teams went end to end to try to get on the scoreboard first. However, it was only a matter of time as ONU would step up to control the match. Despite creating many dangerous chances in the final third, the Polar Bears were unable to capitalize in front of the net. Both teams would enter halftime scoreless. That would change in the second half as JCU found the back of the net in the 62nd minute against the run of play. ONU would equalize just five minutes later as Sami Atkinson converted a PK in the 67th minute. Overtimes would be in order to decide the match but neither team was able to find the game winner in extra time. Despite an overwhelming advantage in shots taken in comparison to their opponent, 34-6, ONU would have to settle for the tie. The result left ONU with a 3-3-1 standing in the OAC going into the final week of regular season. Standing in the way of a tournament berth for the Polar Bears are Wilmington and Muskingum. The final two regular season games are both on the road and are set for 7pm Tuesday the 23rd and 1pm Saturday October 27th.