Mount Vernon, IA -- Saturday, North Central University (NCU) Women's Soccer traveled to Mount Vernon, Iowa, to take on the Cornell College (CC) Rams in their season opener. This is only the second meeting between these two programs, with the last coming in 2019. Today, North Central would struggle defensively as they fell to Cornell 6-1. Sophomore forward Catelyn Ketterling tallied the Rams' lone goal off an assist from freshman defender Ellison Powell.

North Central came out aggressive early, getting their first shot within the opening minute off the foot of junior defender Deshawna Hodges. However, Cornell quickly responded with sustained offensive pressure, ultimately breaking through in the 16th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Despite several quality saves by senior goalkeeper Erma Ramirez, North Central found themselves down 2-0 by the 27th minute following another opponent goal assisted from the wing. The NCU Rams showed flashes of offensive cohesion midway through the half. Freshman midfielder Kateryn Perez forced a save in the 21st minute, and sophomore Catelyn Ketterling created multiple scoring opportunities off the bench, including a dangerous shot on frame in the 29th minute. Junior Paula Capili added another on-target attempt in the 35th, but NCU couldn't convert before halftime. Ramirez registered seven first-half saves to keep the Rams within striking distance still trailing 2-0.

North Central opened the second frame with energy, and it paid off in the 52nd minute. Catelyn Ketterling capitalized on a well-placed through ball from Ellison Powell and set a right-footed shot over the outstretched hands of the Cornell keeper to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Rams' bench erupted as the team's persistence was rewarded with its first goal of the season. Unfortunately, the momentum didn't last long. The home team quickly answered with four more goals over the next 30 minutes, capitalizing on second-chance looks and wide-angle finishes. NCU was outshot 32-9 overall and trailed 18-5 in shots on goal. Cornell also held a significant edge in corner kicks (9-1). Despite the scoreline, Erma Ramirez recorded a match-high 12 saves. North Central fell 6-1 in their season opener to Cornell. 

Looking Ahead:

Women's Soccer will return to the state of Iowa, heading to Ankeny to take on Faith Baptist Bible College on Tuesday, September 2nd. That game begins at 4:00pm.

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