Bees run away with the NAIA National Tournament opening round game to advance
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Oakland City (15-5-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
St. Ambrose (IA) (15-5-2) | 2 | 3 | 5 |
St. Ambrose opened the NAIA Women's Soccer National Tournament first round with a blow out win at a neutral site in Spring Arbor, Mich. The Bees outpaced the Mighty Oaks of Oakland City the entire match to earn the 5-0 victory. This win allows SAU to advance further into the NAIA National Tournament.
It took the Bees little time to get on the board as Isabella Crawford managed to get on the end of a free kick from Kaitlyn Brunson. A combination of good luck was in favor for SAU as Crawford sent a high sailing ball towards net and the Mighty Oak's goal keeper had a mis touch on the ball. It bounced into the back of the net to break open the game for St. Ambrose.
Oakland City did not threaten once within the next twenty minutes, but St. Ambrose was knocking on the door of finding themselves another score.
That second goal came in the 27th minute for Kendall Wendt. Wendt notched her 12th goal of the season after a Brunson assist.
The Mighty Oaks managed to get a shot off in the 42nd minute, but Grace Kuchar was there for the scoop save as she fended off a corner kick and another shot just before the half time break.
In the second half of play, the Bees came out ready to score more goals and put Oakland City away for good.
Oakland City did, however, account for the first shot in the second half. Again, Kuchar was there.
Then, the Bees rattled off four shots before the Mighty Oaks were able to make their way to their scoring half.
Jenna Horst delivered an incredible individual effort to seal the game for St. Ambrose with 20 minutes left on the clock. With the score now 3-0, the Bees created some breathing room.
Not much came for either team until St. Ambrose was on the hunt to strike again.
Olivia Infante and Sophia Roszkowski found Charlise Martel to extend the lead for SAU to four.
There were 10 minutes left in the match and Oakland City was only able to create two more scoring chances for themselves, but none would really threaten the Bees' defense.
To put a dagger in things, Addie Kerkhoff scored with 39 seconds remaining in the match to end things at 5-0 for SAU.
St. Ambrose out shot Oakland City 21 to 9.
Kuchar ended with seven saves in net.
The Bees move on in the NAIA Women's Soccer National Tournament as they have a short turn around time. St. Ambrose will play Spring Arbor (16-3) at Cougar Soccer Complex this Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CST.