Women’s Soccer goes 1-1 over the Weekend

Sterling, Kan.-It was a busy weekend for the Lady Warrior soccer team as they played 2 games in three days. Sterling was able to capture a split in the two games played, losing to Oklahoma Panhandle State University 1-0 and beating Central Christian College by a score of 3-0.

Saturday afternoon the Lady Warriors played in a very competitive match that saw a lot of defense on display. There were a total of just 9 shots on goal split between the two teams. Shay Gibbs was the keeper for the Warriors who tallied 6 saves and gave up just one goal. Sterling was not able to spend much time in the attacking third of the field. An unfortunate foul call on the Warriors in the box gave the Aggies an opportunity to score on a penalty kick in the 78'. OPSU took advantage of the opportunity and that goal turned out to be the game winner, and only goal of the game. With the loss, the Warriors dropped to 1-1 on the season.

There was not much time to hold their head in their hands after a heartbreaking loss as they had to turn around and take to the pitch once again just 2 days later. This time the game was against the Central Christian College Tigers. Over the years these matches have turned into a bit of a nonconference rivalry.

Sterling made the most of their opportunities during the match scoring 3 goals on just 5 total saves. After reviewing the film from Saturday's game, they realized they needed to spend more, and more efficient, time in the attacking third.

Jessica Gautreau was the hero of the day getting the game winning goal in the 7' of play, a header that found the back of the net. There was quite a bit of activity in the middle of the field for the next seventy game minutes, but neither team was much of a scoring threat. With just over 15 minutes left to play, Gautreau found the weak spots and found a way to take over. She scored two more goals before time expired, once in the 74' and one final security goal in the 78'. Gautreau recorded her first ever hat trick at Sterling. Gathering assists on these goals were Francesca Vilca (2) and Mika Stone. Gibbs was once again in the net and secured 4 saves in the clean sheet victory. Gautreau now has 5 goals this season, already one more than last season.

The Lady Warriors have one more match to be played on Monday, September 4, at Ecclesia College. After that, Sterling is off until they start the conference season against Bethany College on September 16^th, at 1 pm. Sterling is currently 2-1 and could improve to 3-1 before the conference season begins.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.