Dutch wax Panthers in women’s soccer affair

PELLA — Breaking out of its offensive slump, the Central College women’s soccer team prevailed 3-0 over Greenville College (Ill.) Tuesday afternoon.

After being shut out in a pair of matches last week, Grace Coates (junior, Marion) got the scoring started for the Dutch (5-2-3) with her ninth goal of the season six minutes into the contest. Josie Newton’s (freshman, Pleasant Hill, Southeast Polk HS) throw-in set up the score.

Coates added an assist in the 37th minute when she found MiMi Pavelka (sophomore, Shakopee, Minn., Holy Family) running into the box for a left-footed strike. An Amber Santana (junior, Indio, Calif., Shadow Hills HS) header off an Alli Seegers (freshman, Waverly, Waverly-Shell Rock HS) corner kick pushed the margin to 3-0.

“We had goals through the run of play and then one off a set piece,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “It’s nice having that balanced attack. Whenever that many people are on the stat sheet with goals or assists, good things are happening for the team.”

Bailey Huizenga (sophomore, Colona, Ill., Geneseo HS) was able to make a brief season debut as she returns from a preseason injury.

“Her presence is outstanding,” Kobylinski said. “She’s such a team player and she definitely helped uplift the team today.”

In 81 minutes in goal, Zoey Sizemore (freshman, Omaha, Neb., Mercy HS) made three saves to get the win over the Panthers (1-5-3). Today was the sixth shutout recorded by the Dutch defense.

Tuesday was also the 125th win of coach Mike Kobylinski’s during his 13-year tenure. He has almost 100 more wins than anyone else in program history.

The Dutch host the University of Dubuque at 1:30 p.m. Saturday amidst Central’s Homecoming festivities.