The Hesston College women’s soccer program earned a statement win on Saturday night, Sept. 10, as the Larks defeated Cowley College (Arkansas City, Kan.) by a 2-1 score on a lovely night at the Hesston soccer field. 

Cowley jumped ahead 1-0 in the 30th minute and held the lead late into the second half before Elyse Hooley (Goshen, Ind.) scored an unassisted goal in the 72nd minute to even the score. 

In the 84th minute, sophomore midfielder Karli Graybill (Goshen, Ind.) broke free and drew a penalty kick, which freshman Chihiro Hikita (Hokuto, Japan) capitalized on to give Hesston the lead.

“This is a big win and a big step forward for us,” said Hesston coach Bryan Kehr. “I’m proud of how our players competed for 90 minutes. We kept our heads up and applied pressure throughout the game and created some opportunities.

Cowley had nine shots on goal to Hesston’s six. Larks’ keeper Amber Mayer (Wichita, Kan.) stopped eight shots to earn the win in goal.

Hesston is now 3-2 overall and 2-2 in NJCAA Region VI play. Up next for the Larks is a road match at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College on Monday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m.