Dutch women soar back into regional soccer rankings
Central Dutch Athletics
PELLA — The Central College women’s soccer team was on the outside looking in on the last two United Soccer Coaches North Region Division III poll, but triumphantly reentered as the No. 5 team Tuesday, the highest position in school history.
Central is 9-1 this season, with a 2-0 mark in league matches. An offensive juggernaut, Central has scored 37 goals and held opponents to just seven. The Dutch have also outshot their opponents 280-52, with 135 of Central’s attempts being on goal.
“The ranking is a testament to the hard work this team has put in all year,” coach Mike Koblyinski said. “We are a team-first program and I think the work our assistant coaches and captains have done is invaluable.”
Sophomore forward Erin Manion (Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS) leads the Dutch with seven goals while junior midfielder Lauren Vahlkamp (Quincy, Ill., Notre Dame HS) has a team-high five assists. Freshman goalkeeper Taylor Golt (Crystal Lake, Ill., Central HS) is 8-1 with 15 saves.
Loras College is 8-1-1 and the top team in the North regional poll.
Central also received 58 votes in this week’s D3soccer.com top-25 poll, the second-most of any Iowa Conference school and the first team outside of the top-25. From the North Region, Wis.-Whitewater was tabbed as No. 18 and Loras came in at No. 21.
A crucial Iowa Conference road game is slated for 5 p.m. Wednesday in Cedar Rapids as the Dutch visit Coe College, the No. 7 team in the regional poll.
