TIGERS CRUSH ST. FRANCIS TO BOOK SPOT IN CCAC TITLE REMATCH

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Olivet Nazarene University's (ONU) women's soccer team took control of their Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) semifinal match against the University of St. Francis on Saturday, powering to a 5-1 win to secure a spot in the championship game. The Tigers' commanding performance on home turf was fueled by a well-balanced offense and resilient defense as they advanced to the CCAC title match for the second consecutive year.

The Tigers made their intentions clear from the start, with Skylar Bos converting a penalty kick just over 16 minutes into the match. Although the Fighting Saints quickly responded with a penalty kick of their own in the 23rd minute, the Tigers didn't allow the equalizer to stall their progress. Just 10 minutes later, Siarra Sandobal struck decisively, driving in a goal off an assist from Melea Miller to push ONU back in front. Fueled by this momentum, ONU widened the gap further in the 35th minute when Hannah Dela Vega found the back of the net, set up by Olivia Lorenc. As the half drew to a close, the Tigers held a commanding 3-1 lead, showing the Fighting Saints they had no intention of slowing down. 

The second half saw the Tigers continuing to dominate, maintaining both offensive pressure and defensive composure. Arabelle Laurent delivered another blow in the 49th minute, skillfully assisted by Miller, bringing the score to 4-1 and intensifying the energy on the field and on the bench. As the minutes ticked down, Kaylee Evers capitalized in the 89th minute, securing ONU's fifth and final goal of the game, and sealing their place in the championship with authority.

Looking Ahead

With eyes firmly on the prize, ONU will hit the road to face St. Ambrose in the CCAC championship game on Nov. 13th at 6 p.m. CST. The stakes couldn't be higher as the Tigers seek redemption and aim to bring the championship title home.

Quick Hits

• Final Score: Olivet Nazarene University 5, University of St. Francis 1
• Bos 16:34, Sandobal 32:31, Dela Vega 34:49, Laurent 48:51, Evers 88:57

--ONU—

*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu