The Aquinas women's soccer team needed extra time to come out on top against Olivet Nazarene on Saturday evening (Aug. 28). The non-conference contest was played at the Snowbarger Sports Complex Soccer Field in Bourbonnais, Illinois as the Saints come up with the victory as Merin McDermott scores the overtime winner.

AQ held a 11-3 shot advantage through the first 45 minutes with five having a chance going in the net, but were denied by ONU. The second half did not see as many opportunities with the Saints holding a 4-2 lead in shots as both teams got more engaged in the defensive battle.

Aquinas broke through with the game-winning goal in the third minute of overtime. Hannah Crum took a corner kick for the Saints and was able to find McDermott for her first goal and game-winning goal for the Maroon and White. That was the only shot that either team got off in the overtime period.

Braeleigh McCoy earned her first victory of the season in shutout style, making two saves to improve her record to 1-0. Samantha Tuuk conceded the only goal in the match and made five saves as her record drops to 0-1 for ONU.

The Saints outshot Olivet Nazarene 16-5 for the game and also held a 8-2 advantage for shots on net. AQ had all 10 corner kicks in the contest, while committing 16 fouls to the Tigers' 12.

The win improves Aquinas' record to 1-0, while Olivet Nazarene drops its record to 0-1-1 after tying with Siena Height in its first game. 

Aquinas will be back in action on Tuesday, Aug. 31 for its home opener against St. Xavier at the AQ Athletic Field, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 PM.