Central women’s soccer team rebounds for victory

PELLA— Following two tough losses, the Central College women’s soccer team got back in the win column with a 5-0 victory over Concordia University – Chicago (Ill.) Saturday afternoon.

The home field advantage was kind to the Dutch (4-2-1) after dropping road contests at North Park University (Ill.) 1-0 and Knox College (Ill.) 3-0 with an injury-ravaged roster.

“It makes a difference that we get our team back healthy,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “With most of our players back, we were able to play some really good soccer for a full 90 minutes.”

The Dutch wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard as midfielder Ceora LeClaire (sophomore, Carlisle) notched her first-career goal in the ninth minute of her first-career start. Erin Manion (senior, forward Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS) and Elise Askelsen (senior, midfielder, Indianola) were both credited with an assist.

Manion added a goal in the 51st minute while Anna Tillo (sophomore, midfielder, West Burlington, Notre Dame HS) had one in the 30th minute. Midfielder Jacie Borman (freshman, Eagan, Minn.) assisted on both goals.

“Jacie played some beautiful balls in,” Kobylinski said.

Sophia Sanchez (junior, forward, Des Moines, Lincoln HS) connected for a goal with less than five minutes to go, courtesy of an Askelsen assist. Manion tallied the game’s fifth goal with under two minutes to go on a Maddie McMartin (freshman, forward, Grundy Center) assist.

“Everybody that was called upon did well,” Kobylinski said. “Morale wise, we needed this result.”

The Dutch have a full week off to prepare for their next opponent, the Beloit College (Wis.) Bucs, who come to Pella at 3 p.m. next Saturday. The game will be at the A.N. Kuyper Athletics Complex soccer field.

“The week off will be crucial,” Kobylinslki said. “We also have to play Wis.- Eau Claire on Sunday. Hopefully we get some more players back and let the chips fall where they may.”