St. Bonifacius, MN – Saturday, the North Central University (NCU) women's soccer team wrapped up their regular season on the road, traveling to Old National Bank Stadium to take on the Crown College (CC) Polars. Despite generating several quality scoring chances and a balanced defensive effort, the Rams came up short in a 2-0 decision. NCU matched Crown with seven shots on goal and showed strong composure on both ends of the field.

The match opened with both sides pushing the pace early, and senior goalkeeper Erma Ramirez was immediately tested, making a diving save in the opening minutes to deny an early chance. The Rams began to find their rhythm through midfield play from graduate midfielder Anna Deichert and first-year midfielder Kateryn Perez, creating opportunities that stretched the opposing backline. Midway through the half, junior defender Ramiyah Words and junior forward Rhaina Boggess each placed quality shots on frame, forcing the opposing keeper into a pair of difficult saves. Despite North Central's momentum, the Polars capitalized on a pair of set-piece moments late in the period, scoring in the 27th and 41st minutes. The Rams responded with continued aggression, as junior forward Paula Capili nearly found the back of the net before halftime with a strike from distance that was tipped away.

Coming out of the break, North Central looked more assertive in possession, earning an early corner kick and continuing to pressure the net. Senior defender Tayler Boudreaux led the charge from the back line, notching two shots on goal and helping limit transition opportunities for the Polars. Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Olivia Johnlouis and junior defender Deshawna Hodges provided steady minutes defensively, keeping the Rams organized and compact throughout the half. Ramirez remained a constant presence in goal, turning away multiple second-half chances, including key stops in the 60th, 62nd, and 74th minutes, to keep her team within striking distance. By the final whistle, NCU had matched the Polars with seven shots on goal but couldn't find the finishing touch. Ramirez finished with 7 saves in the full 90 minutes, anchoring the Rams defensively in her final regular-season appearance.

Looking Ahead:

Up next, the Rams will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the 2025 NCCAA DII Women's Soccer North Regional, scheduled for November 11-12 at the Mid-American Energy Company Rec Plex Indoor Field. The Rams will face the #2 seed Crown College in a back-to-back rematch on Tuesday, November 11th at 10:00 AM. 

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.