Sept. 13, 2009

Box Score in PDF Format

NATCHITOCHES, La.  -- Katie Richardson scored a pair of goals and recorded an assist to lift Oklahoma State to a 3-0 win over Northwestern State Sunday.

Due to steady rainfall in Natchitoches over the last several days, the match was moved to the NSU soccer practice field.

With the victory, the 19^th-ranked Cowgirls improved to 5-2 on the season, while NSU dropped to 6-2-0.

"Anytime you come on the road and win, you're gonna be happy," said OSU head coach Colin Carmichael. "Northwestern State played hard and a credit to their kids, they played well.

"With the weather and playing on the practice field, we'll take the `W' and be happy."

OSU got on the scoreboard in the 34^th minute. Off a corner kick, the Cowgirls had several shots blocked before Richardson was able to put the ball over the goal line during a scramble. The goal was Richardson's first of the season, while Melinda Mercado was credited with an assist on the play.

The Cowgirls took the 1-0 lead into intermission after outshooting NSU by a 9-3 margin in the opening half.

Richardson tallied her second goal in the 82^nd minute as she took a pass from Strawser, beat the defense and then sent a shot into the far post past NSU goalie Lindy Strahan.

Just five minutes later, it was Richardson recording an assist on OSU's final goal as she sent a corner kick into the box that Annika Niemeier headed into the back of the net. The goal was Niemeier's third of the season.

"We challenged Katie (Richardson) a little bit because she hadn't been playing up to her level, and she responded great," Carmichael said.

OSU outshot the Lady Demons 24-6 in the match, including a 13-0 advantage in shots on goal.

Freshman Adrianna Franch recorded her second-straight shutout and third of her career for the Cowgirls.

OSU returns to action Friday with a 7 p.m. showdown against USC at the Cowgirl Soccer Complex.