Bush lifts Jayhawks past Oklahoma

NORMAN, Okla. – Sophomore Jessica Bush’s goal in the 68th minute lifted the University of Kansas to its first Big 12 victory of the season, 1-0 over Oklahoma Sunday at John Crain Field.

The victory moves the Jayhawks to 6-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while OU drops to 3-7 and 0-3 in the Big 12.

Bush put home the only goal of the match at 67:29 when freshman Shannon McCabe made a long run down the far sideline and sent a cross to Bush in the near side of the box. The sophomore midfielder dribbled once and beat OU goalkeeper Jennifer Nicholas with a shot to the upper corner on the far side of the net.

The goal was Bush’s second of the season and second in as many weeks, while McCabe picked up her first collegiate assist.

It was all goalkeeper Julie Hanley and the KU defense would need. Hanley earned her third shutout of the season and second in three matches by making three saves. The sophomore keeper has allowed just one goal in her last 295 minutes in net.

Hanley controlled the box, making life difficult for the Sooner offense. OU’s best chance likely came early in the second half, when forward Tenesha Duncan made a long run and was one-on-one with the keeper. However, Hanley made a sliding save to knock the ball away from the OU attacker.

After a slow start, the Jayhawks picked things up in the second half. KU outshot the Sooners 9-4 in the final 45 minutes as the teams each had 12 shots and four shots on net.

McCabe and junior Emily Strinden led the charge with three shots each, while senior Holly Gault chipped in a pair of shots.

The win was KU’s fifth straight against the Sooners.

The Jayhawks will be in action again next Friday when they travel to Creighton for the team’s final non-conference match of the season at 7 p.m.