Box Score WEST DES MOINES, Iowa -- After a week off, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team traveled to the regional semifinals of the NCCAA tournament. The Rams faced Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) in a close match. The Sabercats edged out NCU in this game with a final score of 1-0.

Game Vitals

• The wind played a major role in this game. NCU started with the wind at their backs and had six shots to MBU's two. When the half switched, MBU had five shots to NCU's one.
• The single goal of the match came in the 88th minute.

Game Recap

Right from kickoff, the teams went at it, testing each other's defense. In the first ten minutes, the Sabercats had more success on the attack and gained a couple of corners. However, that quickly switched when the Rams got settled into the game. NCU had the ball in MBU's half for 70% of the first half. The backline composed of seniors Lideeya Lwoy (Willmar, MN, Willmar Senior High School), Rachel Lampton (Lake Villa, IL, Lakes Community High School), and Hannah Fischer (Port Washington, WI, Living Word Lutheran High School) stayed high, winning any ball that the Sabercats kicked their way. A couple of times midfielder Hannah Grubbs (Mantua, OH, Newbury High School) was able to sneak inside and in behind MBU's backline from a diagonal ball from the other side of the field. Grubbs had two shots on goal in the game. 

The center of the field was dominated by the Rams. Midfielders Isabella Connell (Champlin, MN, Champlin Park High School), Esther Johnson (Brooklyn Park, MN), and Sydney Cooper (Andover, MN, Andover High School) played physically and with great technique passing the ball expertly. Kara Lewis (Mandeville, LA, Northlake Christian School) moved centrally later in the game and added leadership in the middle and was able to pick off many of the Sabercat's passes. 

In the second half, MBU kept the ball in NCU's half for a significant portion of the second 45 minutes, which was helped by the wind. Yet, the Rams defense held strong and defended well. Goalkeeper Arien Fritts (Ham Lake, MN, Fritts Homeschool Academy) had three saves and had more action with her feet as she cleared a couple of balls outside the 18. Late in the game, MBU played a short corner kick for a well placed shot that went into the net. The Rams pushed for the remaining two minutes, but were unable to send the game into overtime.

Looking Ahead

The Rams finishes their season and says good-bye to their five seniors Hannah Fischer, Arien Fritts, Hannah Grubbs, Rachel Lampton, and Lideeya Lwoy. The seniors and their leadership and character will be greatly missed in the upcoming season. For any updates on the women's soccer team, all fans are encouraged to follow official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages.