WEATHERFORD, Oklahoma - A second-half equalizer from
Savannah Meyers and a standout performance in goal from
Dominique Klujian helped the Ouachita Baptist University women's soccer team battle to a 1-1 draw against Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Saturday afternoon.
With the result, Ouachita moves to 6-5-5 overall and 6-1-3 in Great American Conference play, while Southwestern Oklahoma State moves to 7-3-6 overall and 5-2-3 in conference action.
Despite facing consistent offensive pressure from the Bulldogs, the Tigers remained within striking distance throughout the contest before Meyers delivered the equalizer in the 63rd minute. Klujian anchored the Ouachita defense with a season-high 12 saves, helping the Tigers secure an important conference point on the road.
Southwestern Oklahoma State controlled much of the offensive action in the opening half, outshooting Ouachita 18-3 while generating six corner kicks. However, Klujian kept the Tigers in the contest with nine first-half saves.
The Bulldogs finally broke through in the 43rd minute, giving Southwestern Oklahoma State a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Ouachita responded with a stronger offensive effort following the break, creating several opportunities as the Tigers looked to even the score.
Reese Brown helped generate momentum early in the second half, recording a shot in the 51st minute before forcing a save from the Southwestern Oklahoma State goalkeeper in the 59th minute.
The Tigers' persistence paid off at the 63:50 mark when Meyers delivered the equalizing goal, bringing Ouachita level at 1-1 with just over 26 minutes remaining in regulation.
Following the equalizer, Southwestern Oklahoma State continued to apply pressure, but Klujian and the Ouachita defense held firm. The Tigers' goalkeeper recorded three additional saves in the second half, including a crucial stop in the 83rd minute.
Ouachita also threatened to take the lead in the closing minutes.
Sahara Adams put a shot on target in the 85th minute, forcing another save by the SWOSU keeper, while
Kaylee McKinley followed with an attempt less than a minute later.
Southwestern Oklahoma State finished with a 25-8 advantage in total shots, including a 13-5 edge in shots on goal.
Klujian's 12-save performance highlighted the afternoon for Ouachita, while Meyers provided the Tigers' lone goal on her only shot of the match.
Brown led Ouachita with two shot attempts, while
Lennon Porter,
Isabella Savattere and Adams each registered a shot on goal. McKinley and
Christina Alvarez also contributed offensive opportunities.
The Tigers host Harding on Wednesday, October 28 at 3 p.m.
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