OTTAWA, Kan. — Ottawa University delivered one of its most complete performances of the season on Saturday afternoon, overpowering UHSP, 15-6, at AdventHealth Field. The Braves used a dominant second quarter and a strong closing stretch to pull away and secure the conference victory.
First Quarter
Ottawa set the tone early with aggressive offensive pressure and strong defensive positioning. After trading early possessions,
KaiAnna Senne broke through for the game's first goal off an assist from
Brianna Valadao.
UHSP answered with a free-position goal to tie the game, but the Braves quickly regained control as
Rilee Barnett converted on a free-position opportunity late in the period to give Ottawa a 2-1 lead heading into the second.
Second Quarter
The Braves exploded offensively in the second quarter, turning a one-goal game into a commanding advantage.
Barnett opened the quarter with a goal, followed by a free-position strike from
Makayla Mason to extend the lead to 4-1.
UHSP briefly cut into the deficit, but Ottawa responded with a decisive scoring run. Goals from
Curstin Brown,
Valadao, and Mason sparked a surge that pushed the lead to 7-3. Ottawa outscored UHSP 5-3 in the quarter and carried a 7-4 advantage into halftime.
Third Quarter
Ottawa continued to control the pace in the third, using efficient offense and defensive stops to widen the gap.
Valadao and Senne each found the back of the net early in the period, pushing the lead to 9-4.
After a UHSP goal trimmed the margin, Valadao answered with a free-position goal to close the quarter, giving Ottawa a comfortable 10-5 lead heading into the final frame.
Fourth Quarter
The Braves left no doubt in the fourth quarter, dominating both ends of the field.
Barnett opened the scoring, and Valadao followed with another goal to stretch the lead. Brown added another score before UHSP briefly responded.
Ottawa quickly shut the door with back-to-back goals from Barnett and
Liv Staberg, sealing the 15-6 victory in emphatic fashion.
Stats Recap
- Final Score: Ottawa 15, UHSP 6
- Shots: Ottawa 35, UHSP 16
- Ground Balls: Ottawa 18, UHSP 15
- Draw Controls: Ottawa 11, UHSP 9
- Free-Position Shots: Ottawa 3-4, UHSP 2-6
- Clears: Ottawa 10-15, UHSP 5-13
- Saves: Saniya Watt (OU) – 5
Ottawa Leaders:
Who is Next
Ottawa (4-7, 4-1) returns to the field on Saturday, April 18 at AdventHealth Field against Missouri Baptist University. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m.
