MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Ohio Dominican women's soccer team battled tough conditions, and an even tougher Northern Michigan soccer team on Sunday afternoon, but were unable to conqueror the latter as a late goal handed the Panthers their first setback of the season as they fell 1-0.
Neither team could gain an advantage in the first half, as both squads posted eight total shots and seven shots on goal with none finding the back of the goal.
ODU turned up the pressure in the second half, outshooting the Wildcats 9-4, but NMU goalkeeper Jessica Baker denied any Panther hopes of stealing a road victory, tallying seven saves in the half and 14 for the match.
The Wildcats managed to crack the strong ODU defense in the 85th minute when Dana Stephens connected on a Kari Buckel pass for the game winning goal, and first goal allowed by the Panthers this season.
Anna Cameron (Sr./Calgary, AB) led ODU with five shots and four shots on goal. Senior keeper Aimee Simonet (New Albany, OH) posted seven saves in the loss.
"The girls played very hard under extremely windy conditions, but unfortunately we just could not slip the ball in the net today," remarked head coach Jonathan Meade. "We just have to put it behind us and get ready for Ashland on Friday."
The Panthers return home from the Michigan road trip to continue GLIAC play, hosting Ashland University on Friday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. and Lake Erie College at 2 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Panther Field. NMU continues its homestand hosting GLIAC foes Ferris State on Friday and Grand Valley State on Sunday.
