COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA: The Reivers upset Indian Hills Community College with a 3-0 win in the ICCAC Region XI Semi Final match.
HOW IT HAPPENED: With playoffs underway and the Reivers receiving a first round bye for the ICCAC tournament, the Iowa Western women's team was filled with anticipation for Wednesday's match up against 4th seed, Indian Hills Community College. From the first whistle, emotions and intensity were running high for both teams. The Reivers soon gained control of play during the game. In the 19th minute of the match, freshman Kauany Sousa took a shot from the six yard box, which was deflected by Hills goalkeeper, but sophomore Laura Chavez was ready with the follow up and redirected the ball into the back of the net, Reivers leading 1-0. For the remainder of the half, the Reivers kept hammering away at the Warriors defense, but were unable to net another ball during the first half.
Coming into the second half, the Reivers knew the match was far from over, determined to get at least another two goals to finish the game and advance to the region championship game. It was Ashley Overberg who was able to get a touch across the top of the box and slide a ball to Moriah Lucas, ripping a shot and burying it in the back of Hill's net in the 62nd minute. Then late in the second half, with only 11 minutes remaining, Laura Chavez crossed a beautiful ball into the box where sophomore midfielder Paige Moser was able to get great positioning on a defender, and redirected the ball off her head getting a 3rd goal for the Reivers. Indian Hills remained scoreless for the rest of the game. Iowa Western went on to win 3-0 and advance to the Region XI Championship match.
NOTES & NUMBERS: Sophomore goalkeeper Whitney Dockweiler saw some action during the match, totaling 4 saves and etched another shutout on her record, her 11th of the season. With the Reivers 3 goals during the match, they reached 100 goals scored on the season, outscoring their opponents 100-5. Moriah Lucas is tied as the third leading goal scorer for the Reivers this year, with 10 on the season.
QUOTES:
Head Coach Adam Sanchez: "Our team understands that every match from here on out has the possibility of being our last, and we strive to be the best team we can be to ensure it won't be. We know nothing is given, and everything has to be earned. We are very focused moving forward in preparations for Sunday's game against Iowa Central CC. It is always an exciting time to compete for a championship."
UP NEXT: The Reivers are back at home Sunday, October 28th as they host the ICCAC Region XI Championship game against second seed Iowa Central Community College. The match can be viewed live at www.njcaatv.com/iwcc. Match updates can be found on Twitter at @ReiverWSoccer.
