ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oct. 4 - Southern Utah women's soccer snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies with a 4-2 victory on Sunday afternoon. The win also snapped a three-game losing skid for the Thunderbirds as the team moved to 3-7-1 on the year and 1-1-0 in conference play, while Oakland dropped to 4-6-0 and 1-1-0 in the Summit League.
The T-Birds were able to build a 2-0 lead before intermission as Makell Southworth lit up the scoreboard first after collecting a Riley Bassett shot and redirecting the ball into the back of the net in the 26th minute. Southern Utah's second goal came just before the half (43:17) as Kristen Fronk scored on a set piece from the corner. Freshman Morgan Bridge was credited with the assist after serving the ball towards the box.
Oakland came out with a vengeance in the second half, scoring its first of two goals in the frame at the 49:58 mark as SUU keeper Charly Booth came off her line to challenge a shot and the ball was played just above her head. A little over 15 minutes later, Booth made a save to turn away OU's Leanne Formenko, but the Thunderbird defense couldn't clear the ball as the Grizzlies scored the equalizer, finding the top left corner of the goal.
Southern Utah didn't back down as the game progressed, tallying two goals of its own on only five shots during the final 45 minutes. Bassett's blast in the 78th minute proved to be the eventually game winner as the sophomore midfielder led the Thunderbirds with six shots on the afternoon. SUU senior Erin Marble gave the T-Birds some extra breathing room as her shot in the 81st minute floated safely over the keeper's head and into the back of the net.
SUU recorded 19 shots during the match, including a 14-shot barrage in the first 45 minutes as Booth collected her first victory of the season in goal after collecting five saves on 15 OU shots.
Southern Utah will be back in action this week when the Thunderbirds host Western Illinois and IUPUI on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. The game against IUPUI will hold extra meaning as the team will host its annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. Game time on Thursday afternoon is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. with the game against the Jaguars kicking off at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
