OU Falls to OSU in First Round - University of Oklahoma

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The first Bedlam postseason meeting lived up to its billing on Wednesday at the Blossom Soccer Stadium, as No. 9 Oklahoma State edged Oklahoma 2-1 in the first round of the Big 12 Championship. The Sooners and Cowgirls have played in 11 straight games decided by one goal or less.

The Cowgirls' Jessica Rosholt netted the game-winner in the 86th minute on a blast into the upper corner of the near post over OU goalkeeper Jennifer Nichols' reach.

“We were pretty confident with our game plan heading in but did a poor job of executing in the first half,” said OU head coach Randy Evans. “I was proud of our play in the second half and I thought we had momentum towards the end. Unfortunately, one of their better players hit a tremendous shot and we were never able to overcome the mistake we made on the first half goal.”

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Oklahoma State, who leads the series 9-2-1, controlled most of the game with 13 shots on goal and eight corner kicks. Nichols made 11 saves in the loss that dropped OU to 8-11-1 overall.

In the second half, the Sooners battled back and tied things up in the 74th minute. Shana All found the back of the net, her fifth goal of the season, after winning a one-on-one with OSU goalkeeper Erin Stigler. The goal was made possible after Kady Kelly dribbled through the Cowgirls' defense and found All making a run down the right side of the field.

The assist was Kelly's team-leading sixth of the season and first since Oct. 8 against Iowa State. Her six assists is tied for the fourth highest total recorded in a single season and Kelly's team-leading 22 points also ranks fourth all-time at Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State's Katie Lacey scored the game's first goal in the second minute off a corner kick. Lacey's initial shot, a header, was blocked but she gathered her own rebound and fired a shot into the upper right corner.

The loss ends the Sooners' season and they will return eight starters to next year's team.

“On paper we have taken a step backwards when comparing this year to the success we enjoyed last season,” added Evans. “However, the coaching staff has a lot of confidence for next year with a lot of experience coming back and what looks to be a talented group of newcomers joining us in 2007.”

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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