Rockford, IL:
Rock Valley College Women's Soccer closes out the regular season and Region 4 play. The final home game of regular season was also a celebration of the sophomores that will be moving on to complete their athletic and education careers. RVC recognized 13 players with their families before the game.
Coach Watkins said the following regarding the sophomore class, "I would like to thank these outstanding student athletes for their time and effort on and off the field. Over the last two seasons this class has exceeded expectations and left a mark as one of the most successful Women's Soccer team in Rock Valley's History. This group has set both team and individual records during the 2023 season and is continuing to break more again this season. During the 2023 season these ladies set a program record of 16 wins across 22 games and the programs first NJCAA DII Region 4 Championship / Midwest District Championship, and appearance in the NJCAA DII National Tournament. 2023 saw the team score 118 goals across the season falling just behind the National Champions. This season the team has only allowed 3 goals in 13 Region 4 games and only allowed 11 goals across their 17 regular season games. The 11 clean sheets matches a program record going back to 2014's last trip to the NJCAA DIII National Tournament. Helping the program to its first National Ranking in NJCAA DII and maintaining those standards through their career.
Off the field and in the classroom, they are a fantastic group of young women who are supportive, hardworking, caring, and committed. Academic accomplishments include Dean's, President's, and NJCAA Academic All Americans. It is truly a pleasure to work with this group and allow me to be a part of your academic and athletic journey. Through all the frustrations, challenges, disappointments, and joy what a ride it has been. Looking forward to being a part of you writing that final chapter. You will be truly missed, but forever a part of our RVC family."
The game saw the Golden Eagles dominate both possession and shots on goal through the game. The scoring started as #7 Anika Elgin got on the end of a #10 Emma Ambrose cross right on the goal line just 7 minutes into the match. Harper goalkeeper Meghan Ewanio came up with 7 saves as RVC let loose 19 shots in the first half. The second goal coming from #6 Araceli Mendez as she beat several players into the box turned and found the back of the net from close range. The second half was more of the same with #10 Emma Ambrose dribbling a couple players at the top of the box and firing home partway through the second half. The remaining goals were added by #21 Hailey Westphal, #14 Keyla Suarez, and finished off by #16 Ariana Moreno. Harper Goalkeeper Meghan Ewanio ended the game with 16 saves as Rock Valley recorded another 20 shots in the second half. #99 Naitzy Garcia recorded her 11th shutout in goal of the season and has set both the single season Rock Valley Record and career record of 15 shutouts in goal.
