St. Bonifacius, MN -- Today, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team kicked off the postseason and traveled to St. Bonifacius to face the Providence University College (PUC) Pilots, hosted by Crown College. This would be the first match-up between the two this season as they began the NCCAA Division II North Regional Championship tournament. The Rams showed promise in the first half, leading at the break for the first time all season at 1-0. Unfortunately, the Pilots found their stride in the second half and handed NCU a 3-1 loss to conclude the 2024 women's soccer season for the Rams.

To begin the first half of the match, Erma Ramirez returned to the goal after several weeks on the bench due to an injury. Ramirez fended off several attacks by the Pilots to keep the Rams in a competing position. These defensive plays gave the Rams the momentum needed to head on the offensive attack. After a collision at the top of the box involving the Pilot's goalkeeper and defensemen, sophomore Ashlynn Sherman took the loose ball to the back of the opponent's empty net, giving NCU the 1-0 lead to take into the first half. This was Sherman's first career goal.

Returning from halftime, Providence returned to the field to attempt a comeback. After substituting in several fresh legs for the Rams, the second 45 minutes was underway. The Pilots responded by putting up a score in the 60th minute to knot things up at one a-piece. This was the beginning of a surge from Providence as they put up an additional two goals on the board in the 75th and 78th minutes, bringing the score to 3-1. Despite the Ram's best effort, their offensive output was not enough to put them ahead, concluding the match with a final score of 3-1.

Looking Ahead:

This match will conclude the 2024 women's soccer season.

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