New season, same winning ways for Larks women’s soccer

Friday – Larks 3, Ottawa University reserves 2

Coming off their best season in school history, the Larks women’s soccer team picked up right where they left off. Starting their season with a weekend double header, Friday’s game was at Ottawa University reserves. In what was a close contest, the Braves struck first with a goal in the 32nd minute. Ottawa scored again just five minutes before halftime giving the Braves a 2-0 lead. But just before the break, Miya Gonda got one back for the Larks and the score was 2-1 at halftime. 

It only took three minutes into the second half for the Larks to equalize with Kassandra Ayala finding the back of the net. Then just another for minutes, a Taylar Clark pass found Kenzie Johnson who buried the game winner. The Larks were able to see out the game for a 3-2 victory.

Sunday – Larks 8, Southwestern Adventist University 0

The Sunday game proved much smoother sailing for the Larks. Matching up at home against Southwestern Adventist University and only took 19 minutes to get rolling. Miya Gonda scored and then found the net again in the 27th minute. Three more goals in the first half were added to three more in the second half to give the Larks a convincing 8-0 route of the Knights. The other goals were scored by Jenna Boller (2), Miho Okuda (2), Kassandra Ayala and Paige Baucom with assists from Miho Okuda (2), Paige Baucom, Brielle Baucom (2), and Connor Atkinson. 

Reflecting on both games, Head Coach Bryan Kehr says “Our best soccer of the year so far was the second half of the Ottawa match. We are working hard and improving. It is good to see goals coming from a variety of players.”