Women's Soccer advances to OAC Tournament Final with 3-0 victory over John Carroll

By Caleb Scott

ADA -- The Ohio Northern women's soccer team advanced to the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament Final with a 3-0 victory over John Carroll Wednesday evening at Kerscher Stadium. 

The Polar Bears improve to 12-7-1, while the Blue Streaks fall to 7-12-2 on the year. 

Senior Alex Weirich led the Ohio Northern offense with two goals, while junior Shelby Stephens added a goal and two assists.

Northern struck first as Stepehens played a ball into the 18 yard box and sophomore Maggie Goeller played a one-touch pass to Weirich who beat the keeper with a header in the 31st minute to give ONU the 1-0 lead.

ONU would extend its lead in the 35th minute as Stephens would beat two defenders and find the back of the net from 15 yards out to push the Polar Bear lead to 2-0.

The trio of Stephens, Goeller and Weirich struck again in the 56th minute and sealed the game as Stephens played a corner kick to Goeller who played the ball into the box where Weirich would beat the JCU goalie with a header and extended the Northern lead to 3-0. 

"We are really excited for the opprotunity to play for an OAC Championship," said head coach Mark Batman. "These girls have worked very hard all year to get to this point."

Ohio Northern edged John Carroll in shots by a 13-12 margin. 

Senior Emily Brodict earned the victory in the goal for Ohio Northern, posting her 19th career shutout and improving her record to 12-7-1 on the year.

The Polar Bears advance to the OAC Tournament Final where they will take on Capital in Columbus Saturday at Bernlohr Stadium.