SAU battles ONU to draw
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Olivet Nazarene (2-3-1, 1-0-1) | 2 | 1 | 3 |
|
St. Ambrose (2-2-2, 1-0-1) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
St. Ambrose battled back twice from a one-goal deficit Wednesday night in Davenport to earn a 3-3 draw against Olivet Nazarene. The Bees are now 2-2-2 overall and 1-0-1 in the CCAC. The Tigers move to 2-3-1 overall and 1-0-1 in the conference.
SAU took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute after Kaitlyn Brunson's cross from the left side found Taylor DeSplinter for the score. ONU tied it up just two minutes later with a goal from Melea Miller, and the Tigers would grab the lead in the 38th minute off a corner kick to take a 2-1 halftime lead.
Ten minutes into the second half, St. Ambrose tied it up a two. Brunson sent a free kick into the box, the ball rattled around the six-yard box until Hailee Wilson's header went through the hands of the ONU keeper for the score. Rachel Willette was able to make saves in the 56th and 58th minutes to keep the Bees even, but a handball in the box was called on St. Ambrose in the 59th minute. Olivet's Sara Loichinger penalty kick sent Willette diving the opposite way, and the Tigers grabbed the lead back. SAU got a chance from Kendall Wendt in the 63rd minute to get the game back to even, but her attempt went wide. The Bees were able to find the tying goal in the 81st minute. After Brunson's shot was blocked and went out for a corner kick, Mary Evans sent the ball into the box. DeSplinter was able to get a head on it, and the ball hit off the right post and in to make it 3-3. The Tigers had a final chance in the last minute, but Willette was there to make the save.
Both teams finished with 12 shots in the match. Willette finished with five saves. DeSplinter finished with three shots, while Brunson, Wilson, Grace Kuchar, and Alyssa Schichner recorded two.
St. Ambrose will be back at home on Saturday to face Saint Xavier at 4 p.m.
