NKU's late rally falls short against WKU

by Kelli Marksbury, NKU Sports Information

August 27, 2012

MUNCIE, Ind. – Amanda Buechel scored twice for Western Kentucky University as the Lady Toppers posted a 2-1 win over Northern Kentucky University on Sunday at the Briner Sports Complex to conclude the Ball State Tournament.

Western Kentucky (3-1) jumped out on top early in the sixth minute when Buechel took a pass from Allie Auscherman and her shot from the top of the box found the upper left corner of the goal.

NKU produced three shot opportunities in the final 10 minutes of the first half but could not get one by Western Kentucky goalkeeper Nikki Smith, who collected three of her fivesaves in that timespan.

Buechel extended the Lady Topper lead to 2-0 with her second goal of the game in the 71st minute.

Hannah Adams scored her first goal of the season to cut the lead to one with just over one minute remaining in the game, but the Norse could not get off another shot attempt.

Megan Frye, who scored the lone Norse goal on Friday, was credited with the assist on Adams' goal.

Western Kentucky's offense pressured NKU's defense all afternoon, finishing with a 22-13 shot-attempt margin. Cassie Lingenhoel collected four saves for the Norse.

“Western Kentucky has a tremendous team. They have several professional-type players and a very balanced team,” NKU head coach Bob Sheehan said. “We knew going into the game it would be a challenge, but I was very proud of our team. We just have to focus on the positives and keep improving.”

NKU fell to 1-2 on the season with the loss.

The Norse travel to Cookeville, Tenn., on Friday to face Tennessee Tech at 3 p.m.