Storm Lake, IA -- The North Central University (NCU) Women's Soccer season kicked off Wednesday as the Rams took a trip to Iowa to face off with the Buena Vista University (BVU) Beavers. Last season, these teams played early in the year as well, with the Beavers winning that matchup 3-1 in Minneapolis. Tonight, the Rams could not slow down the BVU attack as Buena Vista won this one 5-1. 

Buena Vista got out to a hot start as the Beavers found the back of the net in just the 2nd minute of play. The Rams tightened down defensively to not allow another score until just before the break, when BVU made its second goal of the game in the 43rd minute. Goalkeeper Renae Juni was doing all she could to stop the Beavers, totaling 6 saves in the first half. Unfortunately, North Central was unable to penetrate the Beavers' defense as they went the whole first half with 0 shots taken. BVU totaled 8 shots on goal and 11 total shots. 

Out of halftime, it didn't take long at all for Buena Vista to get right back on the attack as they struck again with their third goal in the 46th minute. However, NCU responded with a goal of their own in the 51st minute from senior captain Anna Deichert, off the assist by newcomer Paula Capili. BVU was able to tack on two more goals in the 59th and 64th minutes, but both teams would go scoreless in the final 25 minutes. The Rams had more offensive output with 5 total shots on goal in the second, but would only capitalize on Deichert's goal. Juni finished with 9 saves on the evening, as NCU lost by a final score of 5-1. 

Today's box score can be found here.

Looking Ahead:

The women will hold their home opener this Saturday as they take on Faith Baptist Bible College at 1:00pm.

All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on women's soccer and all things NCU Athletics.