The Wildcats kept their postseason hopes alive as they took care of Missouri Valley College in dominating fashion 4 – 0 on Senior Day at Liston Stadium.

“We came out knowing we had to win and win big,” sophomore midfielder Sara Matthews said. “We did exactly what we had to do. We scored goals and kept the shut out. It was nice.”

Senior defender Parissa Daneshmand, the lone senior on the Baker women’s soccer team, said the final home game of her career was filled with mixed emotions.

“It’s great that we could play this well and get a big win in my last home game,” Daneshmand said. “But it’s sad too, you know, it’s almost over.”

Midway through the first half, freshman midfielder Jessica Schrock made a run down the left side of the field and crossed the ball inside the Viking’s 18-yard box where sophomore midfielder Rachel Shepard deflected the ball past the ‘keeper and into the net for the first goal of the game.

Minutes later, Baker was awarded a corner kick which senior defender Parissa Daneshmand sent into the box and again Shepard deflected it into the net.

In the second half, the Wildcats added two more goals from sophomore midfielder Katy Wegemer and Matthews.

Freshman defender Brittany Schaumberg said the team’s attack was relentless.

“We had a really strong offensive game,” Schaumberg said. “Our girls up front played extremely well and kept attacking the Missouri Valley defense.”

The ‘Cats had a chance for another goal but missed a penalty kick in the second half.

Sophomore goalkeeper Pam Brummit recorded her third straight conference shutout.

“Pam continues to play extremely well and keep us in games,” Matthews said.

Head coach Nate Houser said he was pleased with the efforts of his team.

“We played with a lot of discipline in this game,” Houser said. “We pressured them really well like we are supposed to. We had more chances to score a lot of goals but just couldn’t finish a couple times. It’s a good sign for us going into the weekend.”

Houser said another good sign for the ‘Cats has been the play of junior forward Annie Cook.

“Annie was very solid in this game,” Houser said. “She continues to get better with each game,”

Matthews said it was a great game for the Wildcats as a team but the day belonged to Daneshmand.

“We all played pretty well but P played her heart out for us tonight and she left it all out on the field,” Matthews said. “It was definitely her day today.”

The Wildcats’ goal now is to keep gaining points in the conference standings for a postseason berth.

“We need at least a tie with Graceland (University),” Houser said. “Then, we need to beat Avila (University) and Benedictine (College).”

Houser said he felt like his team could make a solid run at the postseason.

“If we go out and do our job then we will be fine in the end,” Houser said.

On Sunday, the Wildcats traveled to Wichita and slipped past NCAA Division II opponent, Newman University, 1 -0.

A game scheduled for Saturday afternoon with Benedictine College was postponed.

The Wildcats will look to continue their run toward postseason play when they take on Graceland University at 5 p.m. Saturday in Lamoni, Iowa.