Mustangs Struggle in Loss to Ottawa

OTTAWA, Kan. — Mount Mercy University faced a tough challenge against Ottawa University, ending with a 26-0 defeat on Saturday at AdventHealth Field. Despite the scoreline, the Mustangs showed grit, collecting 14 ground balls and taking 4 shots on goal.

The opening quarter saw Ottawa assert its dominance, jumping to a 10-0 lead. Rilee Barnett kicked off the scoring at 11:58, later notching two more goals, including one while player-down. KaiAnna Senne added a goal and an assist, while Brianna Valadao struck twice in quick succession, also during a player-down situation. Curstin Brown contributed with two goals, one assisted by Makayla Mason, who later scored from a free position shot. The Mustangs struggled to find their rhythm, with turnovers and failed clears hindering their progress.

In the second quarter, Ottawa continued its momentum with six unanswered goals. Faith Ruoff scored first, assisted by Senne at 12:56. Brown followed with a free position goal at 11:35, and Senne scored again at 10:13 with help from Barnett. Valadao added two more, the first assisted by Senne at 7:24 and the second by Barnett at 3:05. Mason added her name to the scoresheet at 4:41. The Mustangs faced difficulties in gaining traction, with turnovers and missed opportunities, including a post hit by Roree Cowley at 1:08.

The third quarter saw Ottawa expanding its lead further. Ashlyn Lopez scored at 13:40, followed by Ruoff at 11:17, assisted by Barnett. Mason found the net again at 8:20, with Valadao assisting. Despite the Mustangs' turnovers and failed clears, Ottawa stayed in control, with Barnett scoring at 5:12, assisted by Liv Staberg. Lopez wrapped up the quarter with a goal at 2:20, assisted by Valadao, leaving Ottawa ahead 21-0.

In the final quarter, Ottawa sealed their dominance with five more goals. Valadao started the scoring at 13:52, assisted by Barnett, followed by Barnett's own goal at 12:37, assisted by Senne. Ruoff added another at 11:32, with Staberg assisting, and Mason scored from a free position shot at 5:06. The Mustangs struggled with possession, facing multiple turnovers and failed clears, while Ottawa capitalized with efficient ground ball pickups and successful clears. The quarter ended with a wide shot by Ruoff, finalizing the score at 26-0 for Ottawa.

Lauren O'Toole made five saves on 45 shots, showing resilience in goal despite conceding 26 times. Claire Ellsworth and Flora Jimenez each registered a shot on goal, contributing to the Mustangs' offensive attempts. Kylie Claeys also recorded a shot on goal, staying active in the attack.

Mount Mercy will next host Culver-Stockton at Hadzic Field on Friday, April 3. The game is set to start at 10 a.m.