NORTHEAST WOMEN’S SOCCER WINS PLAINS DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP TO RETURN TO NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

PRATT, Kan. – The Region XI Champions and No. 7 Northeast Community College women's soccer team traveled to Pratt, Kansas to battle Region VI Champions and No. 14 Pratt Community College in the Plains District Championship with a berth to the NJCAA DII Women's Soccer National Tournament on the line. The Hawks came out on top by a final score of 3-1 and will return to the big dance for the third-straight year. 

The Hawks (19-2-1, ICCAC 9-1) and Beavers battled to a 0-0 score at the end of the first half. Northeast controlled possession of the ball for much of the first frame but were unable to push a goal across. Pratt picked up a red card with seven minutes remaining in the half and Northeast would play with an extra player throughout the rest of the showdown. 

The Beavers struck first in the second half and pulled out to a 1-0 lead in windy condiitons. Northeast's veteran leaders were determined not to let that score remain in the win or go home match.

Aidyn Woodall (Castle Rock, Colo.) evened the battle with a goal assisted by Chelsea Dolbel (Devonport, Australia) to bring the game to 1-1. Dolbel absolutely dominated in the midfield for the Hawks throughout most of the meeting. Jessie Eijbersen (Arnhem, Netherlands) punched in an unassisted goal and then Woodall tallied her second score late after an outstanding defensive stand to guide Northeast to the victory.

The Hawks will be one-of-12 teams headed to the NJCAA DII Women's Championship in Tucson, Arizona. 

HEAR FROM THE HAWKS COACH:

Assistant women's soccer coach Lauren Hirsch on the keys to Northeast taking home the trophy: 

"These girls have faced plenty of adversity this year and always battle through it," Hirsch said. "I had full confidence we would get the goal right back and keep rallying. Our mindset this season has been to play for something bigger than ourselves, and that was very much on the minds of the girls today. Their determination and grit is beyond admirable."

Hirsch on what another national tournament berth means for this particular team and the women's soccer program as a whole:

"What a treat to make three-straight trips!" Hirsch said. "It's amazing to see what the program has evolved into. The National Tournament has been on our list of goals since day one, and I'm certain that they are hungry for more!"

STAT SHEET:

Goals: Aidyn Woodall (Castle Rock, Colo.) (2), Jessie Eijbersen (Arnhem, Netherlands)

Assists: Chelsea Dolbel (Devonport, Australia), Taryn O'Brien (Lakewood, Colo.)

UP NEXT:

The Hawks will await their seeding during the selection show on Monday, but there's no doubt that their season will continue beginning Monday, November 14 at the national tournament in Tucson, Arizona. Keeps tabs on Northeast's social media feeds to stay updated! 

HAWKS HAPPENINGS:

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