HESSTON, Kan. — The Hesston College women’s soccer team continued its strong stretch with a 4-0 victory over Sterling College Wednesday night, improving to 3-1-2 on the season. The win marked the Larks’ third consecutive shutout.
Hesston controlled the attack from the start, creating several early chances before breaking through in the 23rd minute. Emilie Romero scored the opening goal off assists from Shannon Land and Brooklyn Paskett to give the Larks a 1-0 advantage.
The Larks continued to pressure the Sterling defense throughout the remainder of the first half. Brooke Tafoya nearly doubled the lead in the 31st minute when her shot hit the post, while Kailee Sanders and Tafoya each forced saves later in the half. Hesston took the 1-0 lead into halftime after outshooting Sterling 13-1.
Hesston quickly regained control after halftime, putting four shots on goal in the opening 11 minutes of the second half. Jamie Seehusen eventually broke through in the 57th minute to extend the lead to 2-0. She nearly added another less than a minute later, but her attempt hit the post.
The Larks put the match away with two goals less than two minutes apart. Rena Itoga scored off an assist from Susana Martinez in the 66th minute before Zoe Tevaga found the net in the 68th minute, also assisted by Martinez, to make it 4-0.
Hesston finished with a commanding 30-3 advantage in shots, putting 18 attempts on goal while limiting Sterling to two. The Larks also held a 6-1 advantage in corner kicks. Yesenia Sanchez led Hesston with five shots, including four on goal, while Tevaga, Seehusen, Itoga, Kristyn Oliver and Tafoya each recorded three shots. Martinez finished with two assists.
Ashleigh Williams and Keira Rankin split time in goal for the Larks, each playing 45 minutes as Hesston recorded its third straight clean sheet. Williams made one save in the opening half, while the Hesston defense kept Sterling off the board in the second.
The Larks will return to action Sunday, Sept. 13 when they host Mount Marty University at 2 p.m.
