WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – In a dramatic opening-round showdown, Olivet Nazarene University’s (ONU) women’s soccer team triumphed 1(3)-1(1) in a penalty shootout against Hastings University on Thursday night in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament. After 110 minutes of tightly contested play, the Tigers held their nerve in the shootout to advance to the second round.
ONU struck first late in the opening half, with Mia Kelly slotting home a goal in the 41st minute after a sustained offensive push by the Tigers. The strike gave ONU a 1-0 lead and a burst of momentum heading into halftime. With strong defensive play, the Tigers kept Hastings at bay through the remainder of the half.
Hastings responded early in the second half, leveling the score in the 52nd minute. Despite quality chances on both sides, regulation and two overtime periods couldn’t separate the teams, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, ONU’s composure proved to be the difference. Hastings missed their first three attempts, while Emily Greene and Annabel Murley calmly converted their chances to give the Tigers a commanding lead. After ONU missed their third attempt, Hastings scored their fourth to stay alive. Melea Miller then stepped up and buried ONU’s fourth shot, clinching the 1(3)-1(1) victory and sending the Tigers into the next round.
Looking Ahead
ONU now turns its focus to the second round, where they’ll face the University of the Cumberlands, the reigning national champions, on Saturday, Nov. 23rd, at 5:00 p.m. CST. The Tigers will aim to carry their momentum into this high-stakes matchup and continue their postseason run against one of the nation’s top teams.
Quick Hits
- Final Score: Olivet Nazarene University 1(3), Hastings University 1(1)
- Kelly 40:51
- PKs: Greene, Murley, Miller
–ONU—
*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu
For more news on ONU Athletics visit onutigers.com
