Women’s Soccer Claims the NACC Crown

PLYMOUTH, Wis. – The Falcons claimed a share of the NACC crown on Wednesday night with a 3-0 victory at Lakeland. The Falcons improve to 14-3 and 12-1 in the NACC to finish the regular season.

"This was a hard-fought collective team win tonight to cap off a really special regular season," said head coach Ryan Middendorf. "Lakeland played an outstanding and gutsy match tonight.  It is hard to win a conference championship and each player on this roster contributed significantly to our journey.  I'm proud of the players and am proud to be their coach.  Now, on to a conference tournament and hopes of extending this season a little further."

This matchup saw a 1-0 score for most of the game after senior Isabel Downs (Menominee Falls, Wis.) scored in the 24^th minute off the foot of freshman Sheridan Dorge (Winnipeg, Man.).

This would be the winning goal in the 3-0 matchup.

The game would remain 1-0 until the 84^th minute when junior Selena Esten (Cedarburg, Wis.) scored off a saved shot from sophomore Sabrina Moore (Park Ridge, Ill.).

The third goal was scored with 54 seconds left in regulation by Downs from junior Jordan Lafferty (Surprise, Ariz.).

Senior Kaeley Sterkel (Dana Point, Calif.) secured her eighth shutout of the season with one big save late in the match.

The Falcons clinched a first-round bye with the 3-0 victory. If MSOE wins on Thursday, the Falcons will be the No. 1 seed. If the Warriors upset the Raiders or tie MSOE, CUW will be the No. 2 seed and Dominican will be the top seed.