History was made on the Hesston College soccer field Friday evening August 31 when the college’s new women’s soccer team, in its first game ever, won its first contest. The Larks defeated the Ambassadors from Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Mo., by a 9-0 margin.

The Larks jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, when sophomore midfielder Megan Gongwer (Goshen, Ind.) found the net within the first three minutes. Freshman midfielder Kaitlin Schmucker (Sacramento, Calif.) was credited with an assist.

“I knew they wanted to score,” said coach Kurt Hostetler about his team. “I had told them before the game to make sure they had fun, that it’s just a game. After that first goal, they took it upon themselves to go out, play aggressive, and play hard. They looked like they had fun.”

Hesston led at halftime 6-0, then added three more goals in the second half. Hostetler said that getting their first win was important. “It was definitely important to get that first win under our belt. The players worked hard the past two weeks, and I saw a lot of improvement in terms of team tactics.”

Hostetler explained that a scrimmage Monday, August 27, against Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College benefited the team immensely. “It helped us realize how we need to play against a good team, and helped us know where we stand against other teams,” he said.

Freshman forward Megan Schrock (Wellman, Iowa) finished with four goals and one assist, while sophomore midfielder Brittany King (Boswell, Pa.) was close behind with three goals. Kaitlin Schmucker added one goal and one assist. The team tallied 18 shots-on-goal.

Hostetler was pleased with the team’s effort, especially offensively. “I felt we did really good offensively,” he said. “We came out and pushed the ball forward.

“I was pleased that we were able to accomplish some of what we had practiced on team concepts and passing,” coach Hostetler said. “We’ll continue to work on these things and others as our season progresses.”

Freshman goalkeeper Meredith Weaver (Akron, Pa.) managed one save on the only shot-on-goal Ozark Christian could muster in 90 minutes. “When we had to play defense, we had good individual effort,” Hostetler said. “Sophomore defender Janell Maust (Goshen, Ind.) really solidified our defense at sweeper.

“Although we played well,” Hostetler said, “we have a lot to work on. Ozark Christian isn’t indicative of a lot of teams we’ll be playing.”

The first women’s soccer game and the first women’s soccer victory weren’t the only firsts recorded last Friday evening. Hostetler garnered his first college soccer win as a coach, then added his second win in the nightcap, when Hesston’s men’s soccer team downed Ozark Christian’s men’s team 5-0, registering their first win of the 2007 season. Their record stands at 1-2.

Both squads travel to Dodge City, Kan., Tuesday, September 4, to compete against Dodge City Community College.