Oct. 9, 2009

Box Score

BROOKINGS, S.D. - Sophomore Deanna Colarossi scored off of a great effort from senior Lindsey Blair as the Oakland University women's soccer team (5-6, 2-1 Summit) beat South Dakota State (5-5-2, 2-1 Summit League) 1-0 in double overtime, Friday night. The Golden Grizzlies had to play in near blizzard like conditions for the last 60 minutes of the contest.

"I thought we played excellent in very adverse conditions," said head coach Nick O'Shea. "We played very well in the first half and had some chances. We played the second half and the first overtime period in blizzard conditions. SDSU had a 40 mile an hour wind at their back which definitely helped them. Halfway through the second overtime, Lindsey made a great effort and Deanna converted to win the game."

Both teams played a solid almost equal half in terms of the stats. Oakland had six shots, three saves and two corner kicks while South Dakota State had seven shots, four saves and one corner kick.

Shortly after the second half started, Mother Nature decided to pay a visit. The snow started falling heavy and the Jacks were aided by having 40 miles an hour wind at their back. In the second half and first overtime, South Dakota State put up 29 shots to two for Oakland.

In the second half, Oakland had the win and took advantage. Blair went out to battle for the ball in the corner and took it away from the Jacks' defender. Blair then fought through a hard tackle and found Colarossi open in the front of the net. Colarossi took the pass and converted to end the game.

For the game, the Grizzlies had 10 shots, 17 saves and three corner kicks to 36 shots, five saves and three corners for South Dakota State. Coley's 17 saves broke the school record of 15 set by Kristy McGough against Indiana (Pa.) on Oct. 26, 1996.

Oakland will remain in the Dakotas, traveling to Fargo, N.D., on Sunday, Oct. 11 to take on North Dakota State. The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.

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