Women's Soccer falls to non-conference foe Hanover (Ind.) 1-0

By: Andrew Korba

ADA -- The Ohio Northern women's soccer team gave up a late goal and fell to Hanover (Ind.) by a 1-0 score on Saturday afternoon at the ONU Soccer Field.

The Polar Bears now stand at 1-1 on the season, while the Panthers improve to 2-0.

Hanover scored the lone goal of the match at the 86:41 mark, on a cross that was put into the back of the net by Autry Graham.

ONU had some chances to score in the second half, but could not convert.

Senior Sami Atkinson broke free in the 50th minute and fired a shot that was saved by the Panthers goalkeeper.

Junior Kristina Klusek registered a steal in the 56th minute and found Atkinson streaking towards the goal, but the Panther defense was able to block the shot attempt.

Northern also had chances a few minutes later, but senior Lauren Brown had a shot sail high and freshman Shelby Stephens fired a shot that was saved.

Klusek rocketed a shot from just outside the box at the 84:13 mark, but Hanover goalie Morgan Cole was able to tip the ball above the net.

Freshman Alaura Mikesell fired five shots, three of which were on goal to lead Northern.

Sophomore Emily Brodict made one stop in goal for the Polar Bears and senior Kimmy Connor (1-1) made three saves.

Cole (1-0) made eight saves for the Panthers.

ONU held a 16-10 advantage in shots and took eight shots on goal, compared to five for the Panthers.

Ohio Northern will return to action on Saturday (Sept. 7), when it takes part in the DoubleTree Tartan Cup and plays host No. 5 Carnegie Mellon at 11 am.