Central women’s soccer team shuts out Wisconsin Whitewater in season opener

PELLA- After a scoreless first half, the Dutch score 3 goals in the second half to start the season off in the win column.

Central (1-0-0) got a goal from last season’s leading scorer Grace Coates (senior, Marion) in the 55th minute to take the lead. Later the squad got a gift as the Warhawks let in an own goal in the 77th minute.

“It is always good to get a shutout” said coach Mike Kobylinski. “It is just as pleasing to score 3 goals against a very good squad who is well coached. We scored some sublime finishes, and our counter attacking was on point today, particularly in the second half.”

Coates returned to the score sheet when she picked up an assist on a goal from Kelley Duffy (sophomore, Breckenridge, Colo., Summit) in the 87th minute to close out the scoring.

Along with Duffey other underclassmen that made an impact were Goalkeeper Zoey Sizemore (sophomore, Omaha, Neb., Mercy), who played the entire game and recorded 4 saves without letting a shot past. As well as defender Addison Brown (freshman, West Alton, Mo., Orchard Farm) who recorded an assist on the first goal of the game

The play on the field was not the only part of the match that made Kobylinski excited.

“I couldn’t be happier with the veteran leadership,” said Kobylinski. “It is very rewarding to see and makes the staff proud of what we are seeing as a unit.”

Central women’s soccer has a quick turnaround when they hit the road on Sunday and play North Park (Ill.) at 4 p.m.