Women's Soccer Advances to Second-round of NCAA Tournament
WAVERLY, Iowa-- The 14th-ranked Wartburg College women's soccer team (17-2-2 overall) advanced to the Second-round of the NCAA Tournament with its 2-0 win over Principia College (15-4-1) Friday night.
"This was a really important win for us," said head coach Tiffany Pins. "The team has been working for this all season."
Sophomore Anna Aquino (Bettendorf) scored her ninth goal of the year on a pass from classmate Rachel Torry (Urbandale) at 28:29 to give the Knights the early lead.
"The first goal gave the girls the confidence they needed," commented Pins.
"(Scoring this first goal) felt good and set the pace for the rest of the game," said Aquino. "It is important that the team gets refreshed before tomorrow and gets mentally prepared."
This remained the score through halftime until junior Kelli Anderson (Cary, Ill.) netted her ninth goal on the year just over a minute into the second stanza at 46:04. Torry was credited with the assist.
"The team has been working hard for this all year," stated Torry, who finished with a career-high two assists. "For tomorrow's game, the team needs to get some rest and keep to the basics."
Sophomore Monica Noti (Carol Stream, Ill.) recorded her tenth shutout of the year.
With this shutout, the Knights have now set a new single-season team record with 12 on the year. The previous record stood at 11 which was set in 2007 and 2009.
The Orange and Black held the team advantage in shots (13-5).
Wartburg will face UW-Whitewater in the Second-round game Saturday at 5 p.m.
"(Looking forward to tomorrow's game), it is important that the team finds their rhythm early and continues to attack," said Pins.
Watch Coach Pins' post-game interview.
Watch Aquino's post-game interview
