GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA - Natalie Enderle needed just 54 minutes to write the story of Oral Roberts' victory, slotting home a beautifully weighted through ball from Cora Antonia Karen Ellermann and Avery Toms before a crowd of 1,247 at the Alerus Center, propelling the Golden Eagles to a 2-1 win over North Dakota and extending the Fighting Hawks' losing streak.
The early goal set the tone for what became a tactical chess match, with both teams marshaling their defensive resources to absorb the pressure. North Dakota's goalkeeper, Sarah Jones, made three crucial saves to deny Oral Roberts' attackers, while the Golden Eagles' defense withstood North Dakota's sporadic attempts to breach their lines. The Fighting Hawks managed four shots on target across 90 minutes, but Oral Roberts' clinical finishing proved decisive.
As the first half unfolded, Oral Roberts established a rhythm that dictated the flow of the game. Cora Antonia Karen Ellermann orchestrated the midfield battle with incisive passing, threading the ball through North Dakota's defense on multiple occasions. The Golden Eagles outshot North Dakota 8-5 in the first half, with Enderle's goal being the highlight of a dominant display. North Dakota struggled to create clear chances, with their best opportunity coming in the 31st minute when Emily Wilson's shot from distance was comfortably saved by Oral Roberts' goalkeeper, Rachel Martinez.
The second half saw Oral Roberts continue to control the tempo, with Marlee Fort doubling their lead in the 73rd minute. North Dakota responded with renewed urgency, and Brianna Castleberry pulled one back for the Fighting Hawks in the 78th minute. However, Oral Roberts' defense held firm, and they secured their second consecutive win. The Golden Eagles' victory was built on their ability to capitalize on their chances, with Enderle and Fort proving clinical in front of goal.
The statistical ledger reveals a closely contested game, with Oral Roberts outshooting North Dakota 15-10 overall and holding a marginal advantage in shots on target, 5-4. The Golden Eagles also edged the corner-kick battle 6-3, though neither team capitalized on their set-piece opportunities. North Dakota's wasteful finishing was epitomized by their inability to convert their four shots on target into goals.
For Oral Roberts, the victory represents their second consecutive win and improves their record to 11-3-2 overall and 5-0-1 in conference play. They will look to continue their winning streak when they face North Dakota State next. The Golden Eagles' confidence is growing, and their clinical finishing has been the key to their success.
For North Dakota, the loss extends their losing streak to two games and leaves them with a 7-6-3 overall record and 1-3-2 in conference play. They will look to bounce back when they face Kansas City next. The Fighting Hawks will need to address their finishing issues if they are to return to winning ways. Their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities has been a recurring theme this season.
The afternoon belonged to Oral Roberts—and specifically to Natalie Enderle, whose goal set the tone for the Golden Eagles' victory. As they prepare for their next opponent, the Golden Eagles will be looking to build on their momentum, while North Dakota will be seeking to regroup and rediscover their form.
Key Players:
Natalie Enderle (Oral Roberts) – Slotted home the opening goal with composure, showcasing her clinical finishing ability.
Cora Antonia Karen Ellermann (Oral Roberts) – Orchestrated the midfield battle with incisive passing, creating multiple scoring opportunities for her teammates.
Marlee Fort (Oral Roberts) – Doubled the Golden Eagles' lead with a well-taken goal, proving decisive in the outcome.
Brianna Castleberry (North Dakota) – Pulled one back for the Fighting Hawks with a late goal, providing a glimmer of hope in a disappointing defeat.