COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Dominican women's soccer team hosted the Purple Panthers of Kentucky Wesleyan College on Saturday, resulting in a 2-2 draw at Panther Stadium. The tie marks ODU's third of the season and Kentucky Wesleyan's second.
Despite the draw, Ohio Dominican dominated offensively, outshooting KWC 21-11. The Panthers placed 10 shots on target compared to KWC's six. Goalkeeper Ella Schnitzer recorded four saves, including a critical stop on a penalty kick late in the match to preserve the tie. Kentucky Wesleyan's keeper tallied eight saves on the night. ODU also led in corner kicks, 4-1, while fouls were even at 12 apiece.
Junior Ali Mathis led the ODU offense with four shots, including one on goal and one goal scored. Senior Meghan Coakley added three shots, two on target, also finding the back of the net once. Freshman Ashley Yontz added three shots, while Madeline Hartke contributed two—both on goal. Off the bench, Sophia Ralofsky chipped in with two shots, one on target.
ODU struck first in the 17th minute following a corner kick. After several deflections in the box, Coakley gained control at the top of the 18-yard box and buried a one-touch volley into the back of the net. The goal marked her second of the season and gave ODU a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Shortly into the second half, the Panthers doubled their advantage. Savannah Angell and Mathis combined on a textbook give-and-go play, with Angell feeding Mathis just outside the box. Mathis finished with a strong shot across the face of goal to make it 2-0.
Kentucky Wesleyan responded with two quick goals just 24 seconds apart. The first came after a foul by Schnitzer led to a dangerous free kick just four feet from the goal line. Haley Osborne quickly played the ball to Haylie Panter, who finished from close range. Moments later, Anna Klueh capitalized on a defensive lapse, beating a defender and scoring with her right foot to even the score at 2-2.
Later in the half, KWC had a chance to take the lead after drawing a penalty in the box. However, Schnitzer came up with a clutch save, denying the shot and preserving the draw.
Ohio Dominican now turns its attention to Thomas More, with kickoff set for October 7 at 5 PM inside Panther Stadium in Columbus.
