Another thriller for Dutch women’s soccer squad
Central Dutch Athletics
DECORAH — With an overtime strike by midfielder Lauren Vahlkamp (junior, Quincy, Ill., Notre Dame HS), the Central College women’s soccer team finally got its vengeance against Luther College in a 1-0 victory Saturday.
Playing the Norse (7-8-0, 4-3-0 Iowa Conference) in Decorah for the fourth time in three years, the Dutch (14-2-1, 5-1-1 conference) were able to get on the winning side of the match-up for the first time since 2014.
“It was a fantastic game,” coach Mike Kobylinski said “Luther is a great team and they are well coached. I feel like we’ve been up here forever the last two or three years. It felt good to get a win.”
Just a few minutes into the second overtime period, Vahlkamp broke the scoreless tie by heading a ball put towards the box by forward Elise Askelsen (sophomore, Indianola) past the keeper.
“Elise got it in the corner and played a 30-yard ball into Vahlkamp,” Kobylinski said. “She headed it at the back post and it was game over.”
The veteran defensive presence of seniors Rachel Verhun (Ann Arbor, Mich., Pioneer HS), Kayla Dowell (Cedar Falls), Jackie Sunderman (Pella) and junior Lauryn Kramer (Cedar Falls) was critical once again.
“They all pretty much played the full game,” Kobylinski said. “They were unbelievable back there. All four are true warriors and competitors, which is exactly what you want out of a back line.”
Taylor Golt (freshman, Crystal Lake, Ill., Prairie HS) added two saves in becoming the fourth player in school history with 12 wins between the pipes in a single season.
Conference title implications could be on the line when Loras College comes to Pella at noon on Tuesday for the final game of the regular season. Pending the outcome of the Loras and Coe College match late Saturday night, both the Dutch and Duhawks (11-1-2, 5-0-1 conference) are capable of earning at least a share of the league crown.
“We’re excited to host on Tuesday,” Kobylinski said. “We have proven to be tough at home the last few years and are excited to compete for our first regular season championship. This team is very special and we are honored to coach them.”
