The Hesston College women’s soccer season ended prematurely on Friday, Oct. 19, following a 3-2 overtime loss to Northwest Kansas Technical College (Goodland, Kan.). The Larks finish with a 9-10 record, breaking the previous season wins mark of seven, set last year. 

Twice the Larks found themselves down a goal in regulation, and twice sophomore Tori Wheeler (Wichita, Kan.) scored the equalizer. Wheeler’s second goal, scored just after intermission, knotted the game at 2-2.

NKTC outshot Hesston 12-7 and held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.

“This team made definite strides towards being competitive in the region,” said Hesston coach Bryan Kehr. “Our sophomores have been dedicated leaders and have helped take the program to a new level. They will be missed. We have a wonderful group of freshmen who will be fun to watch next year.”

Along with the wins record, several other records were established in 2012. Kelli Christenson’s (Dayton, Ore.) second-half assist against NKTC broke the single-season record for points, as the freshman ended the season with 32. Christenson’s 14 goals are also a new season-high for Hesston Women’s Soccer. Wheeler finished 2012 with 18 points, good for fifth all-time in single-season scoring.

Christenson, Wheeler and sophomore Mariah Martin (Glenwood Springs, Colo.), now rank second, fourth and fifth, respectively, in career points.

As a team, the Larks set a record by surrendered just over 1.7 goals per game.