The ‘Cats women’s soccer team was all smiles after its home opener against Hastings College Monday.
The Hastings College Broncos were simply out of breath.
In fact, after a 3-1 victory that avenged a 1-0 loss last year in Omaha, Neb., the ‘Cats had the pleasure of watching their recently run-ragged opponents extend their stay at North Park for a 20-minute fitness session after the 90-minute match had expired.
"I thought it was ridiculous," sophomore midfielder Haley Oborny said. "We actually could have beaten them worse."<br/>Head coach Nate Houser said the team played well but still failed to convert on several early opportunities.Head coach Nate Houser said the team played well but still failed to convert on several early opportunities.
Head coach Nate Houser said the team played well but still failed to convert on several early opportunities.
“I was completely put off by their fitness afterward, it was insulting,” Houser said. “We took steps in the right direction and were clearly the better team.”
The chances came early and often as sophomore forward Christine Janssens worked well with her freshman strike partner Alex Schiraldi to create scoring opportunities. A dangerous freekick by Janssens at the top of the penalty area got the offensive ball rolling for the ‘Cats as she put the ball just over the crossbar in the 20th minute.
Schiraldi provided the first blow to the Broncos as she slotted home a breakaway just four minutes later to give the ‘Cats the early 1-0 advantage.
Hastings would answer before the first half ended, however, as freshman Hannah Wray beat Baker goalkeeper Pam Brumit to her far post to equalize the scoring.
The second half was controlled by the home side as the ‘Cats dominated the Broncos in possession and scoring chances.
Oborny blasted home the go-ahead goal in the 60th minute after some crafty one-on-one dribbling at the top of the penalty box while Janssens provided the insurance with the third and final goal in the 78th.
Despite the Broncos throwing players forward for the better part of the second half, the comeback effort was squelched by a strong ‘Cats defense and a quality goalkeeping performance.
“It was a great confidence booster to win that game,” Janssens said. “It was great to have Pam (Brumit) and her experience back in goal, too”
The ‘Cats took their 1-1 record for the season to Salina for a showdown with the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes Thursday. Results were unavailable at presstime.
The victory brought the ‘Cats to an even 1-1 on the season as they dropped their first match to Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City, Okla., last Saturday.