Thursday night, the No. 3 seeded University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (16-3-1, 9-0 SAC) had their historic season brought to an end, with a tough 3-2 loss in the first round of the NAIA National Championship against Grace College (13-4-2, 6-2-1 CL).
The game remained scoreless for the opening 34 minutes, until Grace College was able to capture the 1-0 lead on a strike from the right side of the box. The score remained 1-0 going into halftime.
Following the break, Emma Rice (SR/Norman, OK) was able to pull the Drovers even with her 18th goal of the season, coming in the 62nd minute, off an assist from Kyleigh Fort (FR/Yukon, OK).
However, the Lancers quickly reclaimed the lead in the with a goal one minute later.
In the 77th minute, Emma Rice scored once again, to bring the score even at 2-2. Grace was able to take the lead once more with a strike in the 80th minute, and they clung to that lead in the final minutes to advance to the second round of the NAIA National Championship.
As a team, the Drovers attempted 18 shots, with nine being on goal, while the Lancers attempted 13 shots, with nine being on target.
Between the pipes, Caitlin Bishop (SO/Trophy Club, TX) made six saves and closes the season with a record of 14-3-1.
Emma Rice improved her career goal total to 130, which ranks in a tie for the 5th most in NAIA history. The powerful striker has also tallied 50 assists, bring her career point total to 310. Rice's 310 points ranks as the 5th most in NAIA history.
The dominant duo of Rice and Rey closes the season ranking at the top of nearly every offensive statistical category in the Sooner Athletic Conference. Rice leads the SAC in points (48), as well as ranking second in the in goals (19) and third in assists (10). Rey ranks second in the conference in assists (12), as well as third in points (40) and goals (14).
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