The Southwestern College defeated Sterling College 5-0 on Saturday, Sept. 27 in Winfield, Kan. The Moundbuilders scored three first-half goals, setting the tone for the match. Sterling managed six shots with three on goal but could not find the net, while Southwestern capitalized on their 17 shots with 10 on target.
The match commenced with Sterling’s goalkeeper Bella Duckworth making an early save against a shot by Southwestern’s Sarah Hobrecht in the opening seconds. However, Southwestern took the lead shortly after with a goal by Abigail Webb, assisted by Millie Hazzard. Despite a few defensive stops, Sterling faced a challenge as the Jinx extended their lead with goals by Hobrecht and Kara Medina, assisted by Kaila Correa and Kaitlyn Walker, respectively.
Sterling’s efforts to counter were highlighted by a blocked shot from Sheridan Nguyen and an attempt by Cheyenne Siler that was saved by Southwestern’s goalkeeper, Hayden Clark. The first half concluded with Sterling trailing 3-0 to the Moundbuilders.
Sterling began the second half with a red-card collision which removed Bella Duckworth from the game and Elysa Apen shifted back into the goalkeeper position. Despite the setback, the Lady Warriors pressured the goal, as Francesca Vilca tested Clark with a shot at the 51:56 mark, only to be denied. Despite consistent efforts, including shots from Siler and Shayna Dale, Sterling was unable to convert their opportunities into goals.
Southwestern extended their lead with Walker’s goal in the 64th minute, following a corner kick by Jessica Gautreau that preceded the scoring play. Sterling continued to press forward; however, it was the Jinx that found the back of the net again in the 85th minute through Shaylona Rollings. The game concluded with Sterling trailing 5-0.
Duckworth made five saves during her 47 minutes in goal despite conceding three times while Apen recorded two saves and two goals conceded to Southwestern. Siler managed two shots, with one on target, contributing from her defensive position. Vilca also created opportunities, recording two shots with one on goal. Dale added pressure on the opposition by having her only shot be on target.
Sterling falls to 2-5-1 overall and 0-4-0 in conference play following the loss. They will be back in action on Wednesday, Oct. 1 in North Newton, Kan. as the Warriors take on Bethel College (0-6-2, 0-3).
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
