Oakland City, IN- On Saturday August 20, the Mighty Oaks Women's soccer team played an exhibition match versus Wabash Valley Community College. Before the ladies took the field, the Developmental Men's Squad also played an exhibition match versus Lincoln Trail College, unfortunately they lost.
The Mighty Oaks started off strong, commanding the ball well most all of the first period. One defensive mistake resulted in an early 0-1 deficit. After this goal by Wabash Valley Warriors, the momentum in the game switched.
In the second period – the teams decided to play three thirty minutes periods, instead of the usual two 45 minute halves – OCU came back strong. Near the end of the period, Wabash Valley got back in the game, but no goals were scored.
With thirty minutes of playing time left, it was time for the Lady Oaks to get some offense going, and they delivered. In the ninth minute of the third period, it was
Madison Ward who tied up the score. Not much later the Mighty Oaks took the lead as
Madison Nicolas took the ball, ran past the goalkeeper and tapped it in for an easy goal to make it 2-1
The home squad had a big opportunity to add on, with eight minutes to go in the game. After a tackle in the penalty area, it was up to
Rhiannon O'Looney to make it a 3-1 match. However her penalty kick was stopped by the Wabash Valley goalie.
The final score of the game was 2-1 and coach
Katie Harrison looks back on a successful first fall match. "It's always interesting to see what a new year will bring. Unfortunately we currently have four ineligible players, but the girls really went out and hustled all game long," said the coach who's currently in her seventh year at OCU. "I'm proud of the girls for showing grit, determination, and focus after getting behind early and fighting back to get a victory. I think we're ready for the first match of the season, next Sunday at Harris-Stowe State University!"
