Denham hits from downtown to seal Central women’s soccer win
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA — Locked at 1-1 in the first overtime, Central College women’s soccer midfielder Olivia Denham (senior, Bondurant, Bondurant-Farrar HS) drilled a game-winning shot from distance to take down Coe College 2-1 Wednesday.
The Dutch (9-2-1 overall) has started the American Rivers Conference season 3-0-0. The Kohawks slid to 7-4-1, 0-2-0 conference.
“It’s massive to get three more points,” coach Mike Koylinski said. “They’re a great team. They stick to a philosophy and do it really well. I’m over the moon for our women.”
Finding the back of the net for the ninth time this season, Denham was credited with her fourth game-winning goal.
“We were really pleased with the shot Denham had,” Kobylinski said. “Wind was huge today and we got it in the first overtime and capitalized.”
Defender Cate Christopherson (sophomore, Omaha, Neb., North HS) was credited with an assist on Denham’s strike.
“Cate was huge today,” Kobylinski said. “She did a good job denying one of their best players. It’s nice having her back and healthy.”
Denham assisted on the game’s first goal, crossing a ball into midfielder Lauren Vahlkamp (senior, Quincy, Ill., Notre Dame HS) who put it off the right post and into the net.
“Our two senior midfielders were big for us in getting the win today,” Kobylinski said.
Taylor Golt (sophomore, Crystal Lake, Ill. Prairie Ridge HS) racked up six saves in goal. Kobylinski credited senior defenders Lauren Goeke (St. Louis, Mo., Parkway South HS) and Hailey Budke (Leavenworth, Kan., Lansing HS) as well.
Central is now off until next Tuesday, traveling to the University of Dubuque for a 5 p.m. match.
“We need some players to rest and come back hungry against Dubuque,” Kobylinski said. “It doesn’t get any easier. We need to be ready for that one as well.”
