Iowa Western earns spot in national tournament

PEORIA, Ill. - The weather was cold and windy Saturday afternoon for the district women's soccer championship here, but all Iowa Western Community College felt was sunshine.

The No. 6-ranked Reivers are going to the Division I national tournament after a 1-0 win over No. 8 and host Illinois Central.

Freshman Kim Olsen's low shot, with the help of a bit of a deflection, found the net with just 3:26 left in regulation to make the difference.

"I'm just trying to catch my breath," said Iowa Western coach Ammon Bennett. "It wasn't our most brilliant day."

The Reivers opened by missing three opportunities in the first five minutes. Those are things that come back to haunt. But Illinois Central, who left its attack to a pair of fast forwards, had one bid turned aside by a great save by Reiver sophomore goalie Kira Lazenby.

The second half Central "bunkered down more," said Bennett. "They kept four back and we were not getting good looks. We kept the pressure on until Olsen finally was able to work here way in."

The Reivers finished with a 22-7 advantage in shots on goal.

"The kids played hard," said Bennett, "on not their best day. We will have to be better at nationals."

Records: Iowa Western (18-1-1); Illinois Central (17-3-1)

Ratings: National: Iowa Western 6th; Illinois Central 8th (Division I)



Left to right:
Coach Bennett, Amanda Johnson, Coach Ginn