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ABILENE, Texas – The Northeastern State women's soccer team collected its second overtime victory of the season by defeating McMurry University 2-1 in double OT Friday night at Wilford Moore Stadium.
 
The hero of the first OT triumph was senior Jennifer Clark, but the veteran handed the game-winning reigns to newcomer Nea Sunila. The sophomore transfer used her first-career goal in the 103rd minute to ensure the RiverHawks (4-0) would maintain their unblemished start to the season.
 
“I'm not particularly thrilled with how we played tonight. We were just a touch off in terms of our finishing,” NSU coach Chase Wooten said. “We didn't play bad, but we just got too anxious and disjointed at times when we had the ball in front of goal.”
 
Things were going smoothly for Northeastern State, as the team got on the board early and stayed ahead with the help of a 26-6 shot advantage.
 
Senior midfielder Elizabeth Cudjoe put the visitors on top in the 13th minute, but for the second time in four matches, the squad would concede a late goal.
 
The equalizer came from the boot of Paige Harwell with just 76 seconds remaining in regulation.
 
“McMurry played very physical and they were very motivated to keep us out of the 18 tonight,” Wooten said. “They did a great job of weathering the storm and finding that goal late.”
 
Neither team could crack the defense in the first 10-minute OT session, but Sunila sent NSU through with the golden goal following a pass from senior forward Emily Voges.
 
“Based on how the match was progressing, we knew we were going to get some opportunities in overtime. It was just a matter of could we finish those chances,” Wooten said. “I'm happy we continue to find ways to stay unbeaten, but it's obviously concerning that our only two goals allowed this year have been when we are trying to ice the game away.”
 
NSU goalkeeper Jordan Woodruff (4-0) was only forced to make two saves, and she continued the undefeated start to her career.
 
The RiverHawks will return home for a 7 p.m. meeting Sept. 19 with Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
 
Scoring Summary
NSU                1          0          0          1          –          2
MCM               0          1          0          0          –          1
 
Individual Scoring
Elizabeth Cudjoe (NSU) at 12:13 (unassisted)
Paige Harwell (MCM) at 88:44 (unassisted)
Nea Sunila (NSU) at 102:44 (Emily Voges)
 
Goalkeeper Saves
Jordan Woodruff (NSU) – 2
Anissa Arenas (MCM) – 15
 
-GoRiverHawksGo.com-