Heath-Preston scores overtime winner

OMAHA, Neb. – The 18th-rated Bellevue University Bruins needed an extra six minutes beyond regulation to get by William Woods University, 1-0, on Tuesday evening at Tranquility Park. Mark Heath-Preston got a pass from Trevor Eastman in the box, turned around his defender and found himself one on one against the keeper putting a laser shot into the back of the net for the game-winner. Bellevue University improves to 9-3-1 on the season having won six straight as William Woods University goes to 7-7-1 ending their four match win streak.

The contest was tied (0-0) up through 90 minutes of regulation despite the Bruins outshooting their opponent 27-5 during that time. In the overtime frame, Bellevue had five shots, two of which were on goal, one hitting the back of the net to get the victory. The Bruins even had a nine corner shot margin over the Owls (13-4) but were unable to make one prior to the overtime.

Bellevue had six different players record three or more shots in the contest, Mark Heath-Preston leading the way with nine getting six from Lee Welburn. Heath-Preston’s goal gave him 11 for the season, leading the team, as senior Trevor Eastman recorded his fifth assist, tied for the team lead. Sebastian Narvaez will go to 4-3-1 on the season playing all 96:14 in goal with two saves for the shutout, his first since August 30 (Point Loma Nazarene). Ryan Cantello, Casey Friend, Julio Estrada and Tom Garrick each finished with three shots each.

William Woods University had five shots getting a team-high from Oliver Dyson taking two, both on goal. Adam Reed, Ricardo Ambrosini and Cory Herchenroeder had the remaining three shots for the Owls. In goal, Nate Thackeray turned away shot after shot of the Bruin attack to finish with eight saves in the contest. Thackery will go to 4-3-1 on the season following the complete match loss.