Minneapolis, MN – Tuesday, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team played host to the University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS) Yellowjackets in another home UMAC match. The Rams faced one of the conference's top teams, with the Yellowjackets entering the day as defending league champions and sitting second in the standings. Despite the challenge, North Central showed heart and resilience throughout the contest, highlighted by standout efforts from senior goalkeeper Erma Ramirez, who recorded an impressive career-high 24 saves.

From the opening whistle, the Rams were under constant pressure against a potent visiting attack. Erma Ramirez was tested early and often, coming up with several strong stops in the opening minutes to keep NCU within reach. Her quick reactions and poise between the posts helped steady the Rams defensively despite a heavy shot differential that saw the Yellowjackets' tally 32 first-half shots compared to NCU's 3. On the other end, the Rams pushed forward through junior Paula Capili and first-year defender Ellison Powell, who each generated shots on frame midway through the half. Capili nearly converted off a strong individual effort in the 36th minute, forcing the opposing keeper into a diving save. Defensively, veterans Tayler Boudreaux and Rhaina Boggess anchored the back line, organizing the Rams as they faced a flurry of attacking opportunities. Despite the first-half scoreline, Ramirez's 16 saves before the break kept the Rams composed and fighting.

The second period followed a similar tone, with North Central showing defensive discipline and resolve against continuous pressure. Ramirez remained active and alert, adding eight more saves to her total while cutting off multiple through balls and crosses inside the box. The Rams also earned their lone corner kick of the match early in the half, which resulted in a promising chance that narrowly missed connection at the far post. Freshman midfielder Hannah Wolf and graduate student Anna Deichert continued to work tirelessly in transition, while defenders Joyce Horton and Ramiyah Words provided key clearances to limit second-chance opportunities. Though the Yellowjackets extended their lead late in the match, the Rams maintained their composure, battling through injuries to the final whistle in front of their home supporters at Elliot Park Field. NCU saw too many injuires late and the game would be called in the 78th minute of action. Ramirez's 24-save outing marks her highest single-game total of the season and ties the most saves by any goalkeeper in the UMAC this season. The defensive unit, led by Boudreaux and Powell, also contributed a strong collective effort against one of the UMAC's most dynamic offenses.

Looking Ahead:

Up next, women's soccer will travel to Mankato to take on the Bethany Lutheran College Vikings this Saturday, October 25th, with kickoff set for 1:00 PM from Scheels Field.

As always, 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.