ASHLAND, Ohio – Drury took down fourth-seeded Northern Michigan 4-1 in rainy Ohio conditions in the first round of the NCAA-II Tournament on Friday in Ashland, Ohio.
 
The game started with Northern Michigan on the offensive side of the field for a majority of the first 15 minutes, with only one real threat that was saved by Andrea Camargo's slide-tackle in the box. Following the tackle, Drury went on a run that saw the first threat of the game come from Holland Hawkins in the 16th minute.

The Panthers would put two more shots on the Wildcats freshman goalkeeper Sally Patton before Andrea Camargo would crack the seal on a corner kick from Elena Perez in the 27th minute. The Panthers would make a few changes in the field and were still able to keep their high-powered offense clicking, putting five more shots up in the next ten minutes. One of those substitutions was Kiera Love. Love would get on a run in the 40th minute and score her first career goal. One minute later, Drury would get a free kick from 30 yards out. Ines Villanueva Casal took the kick and set up Audrey Camargo perfectly for another goal. The Panthers would shut down the Northern Michigan offense for the rest of the half and head to intermission up 3-0.
 
Northern Michigan's offense woke up in the second half. The highest-scoring team in the Midwest Region found the net for the first time in the 50th minute. Leading by two goals, the Panthers' offense stayed aggressive, taking three shots in the second half and forcing Northern Michigan to clear their offensive zone.

Katy Fitzler held strong throughout the game. As Northern's light continued to dwindle, their offense kept the push until the 81st minute. Mel Schnieder and Elsa Gonzalez ran the break to perfection, allowing Schnieder to find nylon and guarantee a Drury spot in the Midwest Regional Semifinal.
 
Katy Fitzler recorded six saves, the most she has had in a game this season. Drury's bench presence was shown today, with seven shots by players off the bench and two of the four goals coming from players not in the starting 11. Gonzalez's assist was her first of the season. The two goals from the Camargo sisters were the first time in their five seasons at Drury that they have both scored a goal in the same game.
 
Drury advances to the Midwest Regional Semifinal on Sunday at 2 p.m. (Central) against top-seeded Ashland. The winner of Ashland and Drury will play against either Grand Valley State or Maryville for the Midwest Championship on Dec. 5 at the site of the Central Regional champion.
 
 
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