NORFOLK, NE: The Reiver women's soccer team defeated conference opponent Northeast Community College 3-1 and clinched the first seed heading into the Region Tournament.
HOW IT HAPPENED: It was a frigid evening in Norfolk, NE as the Reivers faced the Hawks; winds whipping and sleet coming down, the weather made it difficult at first for both teams to find their rhythm. As the teams were adjusting and Northeast had the wind in their favor, their sophomore, Ellie Gess, took a rip from outside the box and was able to sneak it by Iowa Western goalkeeper, Whitney Dockweiler, far post in the 7th minute. Hawks lead 1-0 for the next 15 minutes of the match. Determined, the Reivers began to clean up and sharpen their play. Laura Chavez slotted the ball through six Hawk players, finding Moriah Lucas crashing far post and finding the back of the net to tie it up. Late in the first half, the Reivers earned a penalty kick from Northeast and freshman Estefania Cardona put it away with ease. Iowa Western took the lead going into half time 2-1.
Coming out after half, the Reivers were hungrier than ever to put this match away and secure their first seed position going into the Region Tournament. With just five minutes into the second half, Chavez found forward Kauany Sousa at the top of the box, who was able to bury it past the Hawk's goalkeeper. Iowa Western was able to keep Northeast at bay the remainder of the game, and finishing on top with a 3-1 win over the Hawks.
NOTES & NUMBERS: Sophomore goalkeeper, Whitney Dockweiler earned her 10th win of the season for the Reivers. Laura Chavez produced two more assists in the match, making it 23 on the season for her. Kauany Sousa got her 19th goal, Moriah Lucas her 6th, and Estefania Cardona her 2nd goal of the season.
QUOTES: Head Coach Adam Sanchez: "Tonight's match was the most important match so far this season, as well as our opportunity to secure the first seed in conference and host the Region Tournament. To be on the road and get a 3-1 win after being down one goal over the second ranked team in the conference was huge for us. Our plan is to win out our last two conference match ups and stay healthy going into post season."
UP NEXT: The Reivers are back at home as they face Hawkeye Community College Saturday, October 13th for their last home conference game of the season. The match can be viewed live at www.njcaatv.com/iwcc. Match updates can be found on Twitter at @ReiverWSoccer.
