2012 OAC Tournament Champions

The Polar Bears made history over the weekend by defeating John Carroll 2-0 in the finals to claim the 2012 OAC Tournament Championship. ONU has also earned the conference automatic bid to the NCAA National Tournament which marks the second consecutive, and third appearance in four seasons for Northern.

The match day atmosphere was fantastic as family, friends and alumni were all there to cheer on the Orange and Black in what turned out to be a beautiful, but chilly, fall day in Ada. With both teams aware of what was at stake the game began very evenly as each wanted to be the first to grasp the trophy. JCU showed they were rested after receiving a bye on Wednesday in the OAC Tournametn Semi Final in which Baldwin Wallace had to pull out of the tournament.  While the Blue Streaks recorded some early shots it was only matter of time before ONU took the edge.

With close to 30 minutes gone in the half freshman Hannah Moloney and Lauryn Zielinski came off the bench and both had an immediate impact on the game. After winning the ball, Sami Atkinson found classmate Lauryn Zielinksi who quickly turned and played a well placed ball in behind the Blue Streak back line. Moloney then sent her shot to the far back post where it just hit the inside of the post and glanced off a JCU defender to record the first goal of the game, and her second of the season. Northern would take the one goal lead through halftime. Despite ONU controlling the ball for much of the second half, John Carroll did not go down without a fight as they tried to find an equalizer. However, their efforts would be denied time after time by the relentless ONU defense.

Determined to shut down any chance for late game dramatics,  the Polar Bears pressed on for an insurance goal which would come with just over 16 minutes remaining in the match. After Sami Atkinson worked to win a free kick just outside the penalty box, classmate Lauren Brown would step up to take the kick. Brown placed a fantastic ball that lofted just over the JCU wall and fell to an on rushing Tara Tokar who knocked home the final goal of the game. ONU finished the game by allowing the Blue Streaks only a single shot in the second half. After the exciting and emotional win, the Polar Bears celebrated with their teammates and lifted the 2012 OAC tournament trophy for the first time in program history. Up next, ONU awaits the live NCAA selection show Monday afternoon at 1:30p to find out who they will play in the first round of the NCAA National tournament. Stay tuned!