Minneapolis, MN – Saturday afternoon, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team wrapped up their home schedule at Elliot Park Field, celebrating Senior Day in front of a lively crowd against the University of Minnesota Morris (UMM) Cougars. The Rams played with heart and determination throughout the contest, earning a 1-1 draw behind a late strike from junior forward Rhaina Boggess.

The opening half saw North Central set the tone defensively, staying organized and patient against a team that pressed heavily from the start. Senior goalkeeper Erma Ramirez was tested early, making a series of confident stops that immediately energized her teammates. Her leadership from the back kept NCU composed even as the visitors pushed forward with several dangerous looks in the box. Graduate midfielder Anna Deichert helped control tempo through the middle third, connecting passes and slowing down transitions, while junior forward Paula Capili and junior defender Ramiyah Words worked to create width and movement in the attack. The Rams' back line, led by senior defender Tayler Boudreaux and junior defender Joyce Horton, stayed sharp against constant pressure, clearing multiple corners and blocking key shots. Late in the half, NCU nearly broke through when Deichert forced a save with a well-placed shot toward the bottom corner. Ramirez closed out the half with 6 saves, several from close range, to send the teams into halftime even at nil-nil.

Coming out of the break, North Central faced a quick challenge as Minnesota Morris found the net just two minutes into the half. Rather than folding, the Rams showed poise and grit. Boudreaux and Words steadied the defense while the midfield began to find rhythm, stringing together longer possessions and earning more time in the attacking half. Substitutes like junior defender Deshawna Hodges and sophomore midfielder Abbey Korpi provided a lift off the bench, helping NCU turn defensive stops into forward runs. As the match entered its final stretch, the Rams began to press higher, forcing turnovers and pinning their opponent deep in their own territory. Their persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute. Ramiyah Words headed a free ball onto first-year forward Rhaina Boggess, who calmly buried her first goal of the season into the lower corner to level the score. The goal sent the Rams' sideline and home supporters into celebration, capping a strong late push from a team that refused to quit. Ramirez continued her standout play to the final whistle, finishing the day with 16 saves, tying her third-highest total of the season, and commanding the box with confidence. Her consistency and leadership anchored a defensive unit that faced 35 shots and 10 corner kicks but held firm when it mattered most.

Looking Ahead:

Up next, women's soccer will hit the road to St. Bonifacius for its final regular-season match against Crown College on Saturday, November 1st. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM at Old National Bank Stadium.  

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.