HEARTBREAK IN DAVENPORT AS ONU DROPS CCAC TITLE TO ST. AMBROSE

DAVENPORT, Iowa - For the second year in a row, the Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) women's soccer team fell just short in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Championship, dropping a hard-fought 2-1 decision to St. Ambrose University on Wednesday night. In a rematch of last year's title game, the Tigers took an early lead but could not hold off the Fighting Bees, who once again claimed the conference crown. 

ONU came out strong in the first half, setting the pace early and finding the back of the net in the 15th minute. Hannah Dela Vega capitalized on a Tigers' offensive push, sending a well-placed shot past the St. Ambrose goalkeeper to give ONU the 1-0 advantage. The Tigers' defense held firm for the rest of the half, turning away several St. Ambrose attempts and heading into the break with a one-goal lead. 

The second half saw a determined St. Ambrose team shift the momentum. The Fighting Bees equalized in the 57th minute, sending a powerful shot past the Tigers' goalkeeper to bring the match level at 1-1. As the clock ticked down, both teams battled for control, but it was St. Ambrose who broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a decisive goal that would ultimately prove to be the game-winner. Despite ONU's late efforts to mount a comeback, the Fighting Bees held on to secure the victory.

Looking Ahead

With the loss, ONU finishes as the CCAC runner-up for the second consecutive year. The Tigers now shift their focus to the national stage, awaiting the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament selection show to find out where they will head for the opening round. ONU will look to use the experience from another tight championship match as motivation for a deep run in the tournament.

Quick Hits

• Final Score: Olivet Nazarene University 1, St. Ambrose University 2
• Dela Vega 14:40

--ONU—

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