NORFOLK, Va. – On Senior Night for the Monarchs, the Old Dominion women's soccer team played Western Kentucky to a 1-1 double overtime draw on Friday night at the ODU Soccer Complex. The Hilltoppers goal was the first ODU's defense has allowed in 348 minutes, dating back to March 5. With the tie and Florida Atlantic defeating Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion has officially qualified for the 2021 Conference USA Tournament in Houston, Texas on April 13-17.
WKU (6-1-2, 3-0-2 C-USA) struck first in the 35th minute, when Ambere Barnett rebounded a saved penalty kick to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
In the 79th minute, ODU's Morgan Hall scored the equalizer off an assist from Emily Garrick to tie the match at 1-1 and force overtime. The goal was the second of the season for Hall.
"To be honest, we didn't play great tonight, not to the level we have been playing recently," expressed ODU head coach Angie Hind. "Credit to WKU, they are so direct that it caused us problems in being able to get the ball down and play. In the first half, we just didn't step up at moments we could have. In the second half, we had a good 20 to 25 minute spell which led to the goal and I thought we could go on and get the winner, but just didn't have enough creativity tonight. We earned the point that we needed to make the tournament so that's the most important thing, so we are pleased. Thankfully, we get some time now to look at things in certain areas so we are more prepared for Houston."
Both teams attempted two shots in the two extra sessions, but neither found the back of the net.
For the match, WKU held advantages for shots (11-7) and corner kicks (9-1). Kasey Perry made two saves in goal for the Monarchs. The draw snapped Western Kentucky's two match win streak.
Old Dominion (4-4-2, 3-2-1 C-USA) will return to the pitch for the regular season finale on Monday, April 5, when the Monarchs take on UNCW in Wilmington, North Carolina for a 5 p.m. start. Monday's match will stream on FloSports.
Prior to the match, Old Dominion honored three seniors: Blair Vilov, Amanda Nhek and Josie Sauro.
Blair Vilov (Forward from Salisbury, Md.)
Vilov has appeared in 32 matches for Old Dominion, scoring two goals for four points.
Vilov has compiled a 3.83 GPA as an accounting and finance double major. She has been named to the Dean's List every semester, while earning C-USA Commissioner Medals and C-USA Honor Roll accolades each year.
Angie Hind on Vilov:
"It has been such a great pleasure to work with Blair. I cannot speak highly enough of her work-rate and her desire to contribute to this team throughout her four years here. Loved by her teammates for her grit and determination, she has shown what ODU means to her. Challenged by some injuries she has played through; she met that adversity head on and has been a key part of this program's success these past four years. I couldn't be prouder of her achievements academically and certainly thank her for everything she has brought and continues to bring to this team every single day."
After graduation, Vilov will work as a Staff Accountant at DesRoches and Company.
Amanda Nhek (Forward from Gainesville, Va.)
Nhek has appeared in 45 matches in three seasons for Old Dominion, scoring 15 goals, dishing out nine assists for 39 total points, while scoring three game-winners for the Monarchs. At one point during her career, she scored a goal in nine consecutive matches.
Nhek has compiled a perfect 4.0 GPA as a physical education major and health education minor. She has been named to the Dean's List every semester, while earning C-USA Commissioner Medals and C-USA Honor Roll accolades each year.
Angie Hind on Nhek:
"Since transferring here, Amanda has grasped the opportunity to impact this program. As a player, she is tremendously unique in her ability to come alive inside the penalty box, like few others I have ever worked with. She simply has a great desire and instinct to score goals and has done that consistently for us since her arrival. As a dedicated student, I have seen how hard she works academically, and I have always respected her drive, honesty and ambition. While not always the loudest… her quiet, timely words of wisdom and encouragement to those around her have inspired many. I thank her for all she has brought to this program and am so glad she chose to become a Monarch."
Following graduation, Nhek has been accepted into the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University.
Josie Sauro (Saint Paul, Minn.)
Sauro appeared in 14 matches for Old Dominion before becoming a student-manager for the Monarchs.
Angie Hind on Sauro:
"Since becoming a Monarch, Josie has shown hard work, determination and resilience throughout her four years here. Always a kind-hearted and supportive teammate, she has shown others around her the true value of teamwork. Despite her playing career being cut short with an injury, Josie has remained a part of this program and remained impactful throughout her time here. Her genuine desire to help this team reach success has been selfless and immensely respected by her teammates and coaches alike. I am so proud of her resilience and thank her for everything she has contributed to this team on and off the field."
Sauro has compiled a 3.83 GPA as a biology major with a Spanish minor. She has been named to the Dean's List every semester, while earning C-USA Commissioner Medals and C-USA Honor Roll accolades each year.
ODU Plays Western Kentucky to 1-1 Double Overtime Draw on Senior Night
