High-powered offense pushes Central women to soccer victory

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA — The anticipated potency of the Central College women’s soccer college offensive attack was on full display on Monday afternoon in an 8-2 win over North Park University (Ill.)

Central (1-1) blasted four goals in each half against the Vikings (1-2)

“We didn’t start our season the way we wanted to on Friday,” coach Mike Kobylinski said. “We rebounded very well today.”

Junior forward Erin Manion (Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS) scored four goals on six shots, setting a career-high for goals in a game.

“Erin had a stormer,” Kobylinski said. “She’s a special player.”

The first goal came from midfielder Lauren Vahlkamp (senior, Quincy, Ill., Notre Dame HS), courtesy of an assist from midfielder Olivia Denham (senior, Bondurant, Bondurant-Farrar HS).

Denham added two goals to her tally and Vahlkamp chipped in for two assists.

“When those three are clicking, we’re going to be successful,” Kobylinski said.

Also earning points on the scoring attack were midfielders Anna Tillo (freshman, West Burlington, Notre Dame HS) and Olivia Stoops (senior, Morton, Ill.) as well as forward Elise Askelsen (junior, Indianola). Tillo scored off an assist from Stoops while Askelsen assisted twice.

“It makes us very dangerous when they are more people contributing and helping out on the attack,” Kobylinski said.

The Dutch went 31 players deep on the participation list. A tough back-to-back is scheduled for this weekend with a match at Maranatha Baptist University (Wis.) on Friday night preceding a Saturday affair at Wisconsin Lutheran College.

“We used everyone that was healthy,” Kobylinski said. “We’re going up there to compete for two matches.”