Women's soccer wins over Saint Martin's University
Freshman Forward Liv Larson takes a shot on goal against Saint Martin's University, on Thursday Sept. 29.
The women’s soccer team maintains its hold on first place in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference after a 4-1 win over Saint Martin’s University. Senior midfielder Caitlyn Jobanek led the way with two goals in the home victory Thursday, Sept. 29. Sophomore defender Taylor Hallquist got the scoring started in the first six minutes when she nailed a shot from 18 yards out. The Vikings got out to a similarly quick start last week during a nationally televised match against the University of Bridgeport in which they scored twice in the first 10 minutes.The second goal came when senior forward Elise Alyward booted a corner kick to freshman defender Annaliese Laurila who took one touch and scored from nine yards away in the 30th minute.The goal of the match came four minutes later when sophomore forward Mariah Roggow flipped a back heel pass to freshman midfielder Lindsay Fujiwara. Fujiwara then found Jobanek who lobbed it over the keeper’s head. Jobanek scored again two minutes after halftime on an assist from freshman forward Peyton Chick. Chick entered the game tied for the GNAC lead in assists with three.Jobanek said the goals just fell into her lap.“They kind of just happened,” Jobanek said. “I was there at the right time, and our team worked really hard to get the ball.” Head coach Travis Connell said Jobanek is one of the most versatile players he has ever coached. “When she’s on her game, she’s one of the best in the country,” Connell said. “And today she had a good night. She was dominant.”Western earned a 3-0 lead going into halftime, so Connell gave some players who don’t normally play some extra minutes. He said it is important for everyone to work on their game through match experience. Jobanek agreed.“Our team has this depth that we haven’t had in the last couple years, and we have players who are coming off the bench scoring. Everyone is contributing in some form or fashion, so it’s really great,” Jobanek said. The Vikings extended their winning streak to eight games and have won their last 19 home games. They will host Concordia University at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, in a matchup of unbeaten teams.
Solutions by The State News
