Atherton, CA- On Tuesday, Arizona Christian used the extreme definition of a bend but don't break defense against Menlo as they were outshot 31-6 but still forced a 0-0 tie through regulation.  With just under four minutes left in the first overtime, Freshman Marisa Ortiz scored to end the game and give ACU the 1-0 win.

The first 30 plus minutes was all Menlo as they cracked 14 of their 16 first half shots before Arizona Christian attempted their first strike of the contest.

Ortiz fired off all four of the first half shots for ACU with two of those shots going on goal.  Senior Serenity Masterson produced six saves in the first 45 minutes.

After the intermission, the action was played in the middle of the field as a corner kick was the only recorded stat 15 minutes into the second half.  The Oaks (7-3-2, 2-2-1 GSAC) managed the only three shots from the 60-70 minute marks.

Menlo then squared up nine shots in the final 20 minutes but Masterson kept the clean sheet intact for the Firestorm (5-5-1, 2-4 GSAC).  Junior Zoe Kalos hit the lone ACU shot of the half on target but was turned away as well.

Heading into overtime, Menlo produced three chances including one that was sent just left of the goal from about eight yards out.

The ACU defense made one last stand and Freshman Kaitlyn May started a counter that sent Ortiz on a run with originally one defender to beat.  Menlo closed quickly and soon Ortiz was attempting to maneuver around four defenders.  In the process, Ortiz was fouled at the top of the box right in the middle of the field.  Ortiz stuck the ensuing free kick into the top left corner of the net.  For Ortiz, her tenth goal of the season gave her sole possession of second place in goals scored in the GSAC.

With the win, the ACU women set themselves up to continue to be in the GSAC playoff discussion as they are currently sitting the sixth spot with six points with four GSAC games left to play.  They will probably need one or two more wins to have a real shot of qualifying for the playoffs.

Director of Soccer Alan Berrios commented, "We knew coming into the game that we had to focus on being disciplined defensively first and foremost.  We focused on getting behind the ball quickly.  I thought the girls did a great job following the game plan.  Offensively we were looking to get connected quickly with our front three.  Girls worked really hard to make that happen against a very good Menlo team.  We felt that if we took the game into overtime it was anyone's game at that point.  Today's win was a great team effort.  I am very happy for the girls."

On Friday evening, ACU will celebrate their seniors before their match with St. Katherine's.  The game is set for a 5:00 pm start at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex.