OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University put together an offensive showcase on Saturday morning at AdventHealth Field, rolling past St. Ambrose, 22-13. Behind a career day from
Brianna Valadao and a fast start, the Braves controlled the tempo from the opening draw and never looked back.
Ottawa wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to a 6-1 lead in the first quarter.
Curstin Brown scored the first two goals of the game, including a man-down goal, and the Braves capitalized on multiple player-up opportunities. Valadao and
Rilee Barnett added to the early surge as Ottawa overwhelmed the Bees defensively and in transition.
The Braves extended their lead to 10-5 by halftime, maintaining control despite a brief push from St. Ambrose. Ottawa's balanced attack continued to shine, with Barnett completing a hat trick in the first half and Valadao orchestrating the offense.
St. Ambrose made its strongest push in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 11-9 early in the period. Ottawa quickly responded in dominant fashion. The Braves erupted for a 7-1 run, fueled by three straight player-up goals from Valadao and a pair of scores from
Makayla Mason, to take a commanding 18-11 lead into the fourth.
In the final quarter, Ottawa kept the pressure on.
KaiAnna Senne opened the scoring with a free-position goal, and Brown and Mason added insurance before Valadao capped the scoring with her ninth goal of the game in the final minute.
Ottawa's offense was relentless, outshooting St. Ambrose 51-28 and converting efficiently in key moments, especially on free-position and player-up chances.
Stats Recap
Who is Next
Ottawa (5-8) will now play Missouri Baptist University in the Heart Tournament Semifinals on Thursday, April 30 in Atchison, Kan.
