Clayton scores game-winner in 3-2 overtime win over Indiana Tech

OLIVET, Mich. -- Freshman Katie Clayton (Kingsley/Traverse City Central) scored two goals, including the game-winner, as the Olivet College women's soccer team defeated Indiana Tech, 3-2, in overtime today at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

Olivet got on the scoreboard first with a goal in the 18th minute. Junior Lizzy Julian (Mattawan) collected the rebound off her own missed shot and knocked the second chance into the goal. Clayton then scored her first goal at the 23:07 mark. After receiving a pass from Julian, junior Danielle Mellor (Macomb/Regina) took a shot, which glanced off the keeper's hands and to the feet of Clayton. The score remained 2-0 at halftime.

In the second half, Manuela Casal scored two goals in a span of just over seven minutes to tie the game at 2-2 and send the game into overtime. The Comets got the game-winner with 2:28 left in the extra period. Sophomore Becca Gaarde (Parma/Western) sent the ball up into the box to Clayton's feet. Clayton then dribbled past a defender, and sent a hard shot over the outstretched hands of the keeper and into the goal.

"I knew it was all or nothing," said Clayton. "I looked at the net and focused on burying the shot. I put everything on my shot."

For the game, Olivet had 10 shots, including four apiece for Clayton and Julian. In goal, senior Alyssa Budros (Traverse City/Central) played the entire game, faced 19 shots and made 11 saves.

The Comets (3-1) will make a trip through southern Indiana and northern Kentucky this weekend. On Saturday, Olivet plays at Hanover (Ind.) College at 1 p.m., and on Sunday, it plays at Thomas More (Ky.) College at 1 p.m.