Alva Review-Courier -

ALVA – Northwestern Oklahoma State hosted Southwestern for the conference opener Wednesday evening. After the Rangers struck in the first half, the Bulldogs answered back in the second to even the match and finish with a draw for the result.

The Rangers moved to 1-3-3 on the season as Southwestern advances to 0-5-2 for the season. Cassidy Fitzgerald scored the Ranger goal. Rachel Brown finished with six saves in the evening for her second most of the season.

Northwestern and Southwestern battled throughout the half as the Rangers led in shots on goal 2-0 not allowing much in the first half. Northwestern tried to jump out early with a couple of quick shots wide off target. On shot number nine of the half for the Rangers Cassidy Fitzgerald struck for her first goal of the season and collegiate career. This pushed the Rangers in front 1-0 late in the first half at the 42 minute of the match. Fitzgerald tried to extend the lead with a second shot on goal right before halftime but the Bulldogs goalie Amelia Forsling made the save.

The Red-and-Black went into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

In the opening two minutes Isabella Mcmillan put a shot on net but Forsling was able to grab the save. As the Bulldogs attempted to even the score Rachel Brown made three straight saves to start the second half. In the 79th minute of the match Southwestern answered the Rangers' goal with the equalizer for a 1-1 score. Brown was able to keep the score tied for Northwestern making her final save in the 84 minute. The Rangers had two corner kick opportunities in the final five minutes but were not able to capitalize as the score remained 1-1 for a final result in a draw.

Northwestern was to return to action on Saturday evening in Bethany for a match-up against Southern Nazarene.