ALVA, Okla. – Clutch heroics from juniors Madi Vana and Isabella Savattere gave the Ouachita women's soccer team a 1-0 victory over Northwestern Oklahoma State at the Alva Rec Complex. 

Vana re-entered Saturday's defensive battle with under 10 minutes left to play as the Tigers kept the pressure inside Rangers territory. After Kaylee McKinley drew a foul and a yellow card from Northwestern Oklahoma State's Eryn Warren, which gave the Tigers a free kick from 33 yards out, Savattere stepped to the spot and sent a perfectly placed ball into the crowded box. Vana stationed herself at point-blank range, boxed out her defender and flicked a no-look header past the Rangers goalkeeper to take the lead in the 82nd minute. The Tigers erupted to celebrate the timely execution as Vana scored her third goal of the season.

Ouachita's (4-4-3, 3-0-2 GAC) relentless defensive effort and patience in transition proved to be the difference. NWOSU (8-2-1, 3-2-0) controlled the possession 57% to 43%, but could not break through.

Sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Hapgood was steady with seven saves to secure her third straight shutout. The Tigers held off 17 shots from the Rangers, including 11 shots on target in the second half. Ouachita used a 10-5 edge in corner kicks to ramp up the pressure and find their rhythm late, forcing the Rangers into committing fouls that set up the momentum-shifting free kick. 

The Tigers will look to continue their five-game unbeaten run in GAC play at East Central on Wednesday in Ada, Okla.