Ankeny, IA -- North Central University (NCU) Women's Soccer returned to Iowa to continue its stretch of road contests as the Rams took on the Faith Baptist Bible College (FBBC) Eagles. When these teams faced off last year in Minneapolis, the Rams came up short in a 2-0 loss. Today, the script was flipped, as the Rams earned their first win of the season with a 1-0 shutout victory over the Eagles. Junior Deshawna Hodges scored the match-winner early in the second half, while senior goalkeeper Erma Ramirez recorded a brilliant clean sheet with eight saves.

The opening half was defined by defensive grit and goalkeeper dominance, especially from NCU's Erma Ramirez, who faced a barrage of early pressure. The Rams spent much of the half absorbing attacks, as the Eagles fired nine shots in the period compared to just one by the Rams. However, Ramirez remained composed between the posts, tallying six first-half saves to keep the match level. Defensively, the Rams held their shape well, forcing several wide or high attempts from Faith Baptist and clearing away multiple second-chance opportunities. On the offensive end, NCU earned two corner kicks and registered a late half-chance when senior Tayler Boudreaux fired just wide in the 44th minute. Despite the limited possession and shots, the Rams weathered the storm and entered the break tied 0-0.

North Central came out energized in the second half and wasted little time flipping the momentum. Just under five minutes into the period, junior Paula Capili forced a save with a well-struck shot. Moments later, the Rams broke through. In the 50th minute, junior Ashlynn Sherman sent a right-footed cross from the sideline into the box, finding forward Deshawna Hodges, who calmly buried her opportunity to put NCU ahead 1-0. After taking the lead, the Rams found more rhythm in the attacking third, outshooting the hosts 8-7 in the second half. Capili, Boudreaux, and freshman Kateryn Perez all tested the keeper, with Boudreaux finishing the day as NCU's most active offensive threat (4 shots, 1 on goal). The Rams did have to survive a tense final stretch, including a crossbar hit and a pair of late saves by Ramirez. Still, the defense held firm, aided by strong midfield support from Anna Deichert and freshman defender Ellison Powell, who helped anchor the backline through the final whistle. Goalkeeper Erma Ramirez was spectacular, earning her first career shutout with 8 saves across 90 minutes of action. At the end of 90 minutes, the Rams walked away with a 1-0 win over the Eagles, the program's first win since 2023. 

Looking Ahead:

Women's soccer continues its Midwest road trip as it travels to Notre Dame, Indiana, to take on the Saint Mary's College (SMC) Belles this Thursday at 6:00 PM.

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