NORFOLK, Va. -- Kyra Ricks scored a golden goal in the 105th minute to lead the Old Dominion women's soccer team over WKU, 1-0, on Friday evening at the ODU Soccer Complex.
Ricks tapped in a rebound off of shot off the post by teammate Iris Achterhof with under six minutes remaining in the second overtime period to give Old Dominion (3-2-2, 1-0-0 C-USA) the victory in the opening game of Conference USA play for both squads.
"We are delighted to get the win," said head coach Angie Hind. "They are a good team and they make it so difficult for you. We had a lot of possession in the first half, but it is so difficult to break them down, because they are so deep, but we hung in there."
Playing its third consecutive overtime game, Old Dominion outshot WKU (3-5-0, 0-1-0 C-USA), 19-9, on the night and also held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Twice, the Monarchs nearly won it in regulation, as WKU goalkeeper Allison Leone misjudged an ODU cross that nearly skipped into the net, but a Hilltopper defender was there to make a defensive save. Later on, Leone made a diving stop on a line-drive, deflected shot by Emma Gervase.
For the Hilltoppers, their best opportunity came late in the second half, when Deven Jackson's free kick ricocheted off of the crossbar.
Individually, Ricks led the team with five shots, while Natalie Johnson and Madison Hogan each placed three attempts on target.
Defensively, Krista Moisio earned the clean sheet in net, making four saves.
"In overtime, I thought we really stepped it up," said Hind. "I said to the players 'how do you feel' and they said 'we want to go.' They dictate the game and, fair enough to them, they were outstanding."
The Monarchs return to action on Sunday with a road match at Richmond at 6 p.m.