OSKALOOSA, IOWA ---- For the first time in program history, the No. 8 nationally ranked Central Methodist women's soccer team clinched both the Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season title, and a NAIA National Tournament berth with the 1-0 victory over William Penn University Saturday night.
NOTES
• Already being a historic season for the Eagles, prior to this year, the program had never been nationally ranked. Tonight's achievements mark the third program milestones of the year.
• Central Methodist improved to 14-0-2 (9-0-1) on the year, while William Penn fell to 8-6-1 (4-5-1).
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
• Judith Sainz scored the game-winner on a penalty kick in the second overtime period. She currently leads the team with 12.
• Andrea Villar totaled a match-high 11 shots, as the team finished with a season-high 40 on the night.
• Anika Kallash added seven shots with three on frame, as Rachel Topliss tallied four with a pair on frame.
• Riley Ludwig tallied an astounding 17 saves in goal for William Penn.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Central Methodist dominated the possession for nearly the entire game, firing off 14 shots with seven on frame in the first half.
• Still tied 0-0 after the first 45, Central Methodist added 18 shots with 10 on frame in the second half.
• At the end of regulation, the score remained 0-0 with William Penn only having three shots, and one of which was on goal.
• The first overtime period continued to show Central Methodist in Control, as the Eagles launched six shots, and the Statesmen finished with none.
• Heading to the second overtime period with the score locked at zero, a costly foul from William Penn nearly three minutes into the extra time set up Central Methodist with a penalty kick. Sainz ended the game on a well-placed shot into the lower left corner of the goal to give the Eagles the late 1-0 victory over the Statesmen.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Central Methodist totaled 40 shots with three on goal in the match.
• William Penn managed three shots with one on frame.
• Central Methodist held the advantage in corner kicks over William Penn 13-4.
UP NEXT
• The Eagles will return to action Wednesday, October 25, when they host Missouri Valley College. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
