DUBUQUE, Iowa-- A Loras College 3-2 victory over Central sealed the program's third-consecutive and 12th overall conference championship.
Loras entered the final night of American Rivers Conference play in second-place, one point back of then leader, Wartburg. The Knights were idle on the final night of play, meaning a Duhawk win would give them the outright championship.
With a championship and No.1 seed in the conference tournament on the line Loras found themselves in an early deficit against Central.
Lauren Vehlkamp of Central scored the games first goal in the second minute. Central's
Erin Manion would add to the Dutch lead in the 21st-minute with her 12th goal of the season. The Duhawks found their stride in the 28th-minute when
Kiki Cabrera found the goal. Cabrera was assisted by
Brynn Jacobi and
Elizabeth Mills. In the 36th-minute Loras' Jacobi knotted the match at two all, a score that was carried into halftime.
In the 70th-minute Loras' game winning goal would come from
Jenny Wick. The game winner was assisted by
Genna Sobieszczyk and Mills. Loras keeper,
Kaylee Coble recorded the win. Coble gave up two goals and secured two saves. Central's
Taylor Golt played 90 minutes in goal, providing 15 saves and allowing three goals.
The Duhawks dominated the Dutch in shots and shots on goal, 31 to 13 and 19-4, respectively. Loras also held the advantage in corner kicks, four to one.
The American Rivers Conference tournament six team field has been determined, with Loras College earning the No.1 seed as the league's regular season champion. Wartburg will be the No.2 seed in this year's tournament. The top two seeds will have first round byes. No.3 Luther will host No.6 Coe and No.4 Dubuque will host No.5 Central. First-round matches will be played Saturday, October 27.
The tournament field is vying for the Conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship. The 2018 American Rivers semifinals will take place Wednesday, November 31, followed by the championship match on Saturday, November 3 (championship). All matches are played at the higher seeded team's home venue.
