FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
November 11, 2025 

Golden Eagles Capture Third Straight Region 4 and Midwest District Championship 

ROCKFORD, Ill. — The Rock Valley College Women's Soccer team punched its ticket to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament for the third consecutive season after defeating No. 17 South Suburban College in a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory. The win marks the third straight year the two programs have met in the Region 4/Midwest District Championship, with this year's matchup ending 3-3 after regulation and two overtime periods. 

The Golden Eagles opened the first half in control, registering seven shots to South Suburban's one while maintaining the majority of possession and dictating the game's tempo. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Joscelyn Posada combined with Isabelle Rivera on the left flank, creating space to deliver a cross into the box. Daniella Bernal-Pulido provided a crucial flick that fell to Hailey Westphal, who finished confidently to give RVC a 1-0 lead. 

"We knew that going into the interval 1-0 up and not being under much pressure, South Suburban would come out stronger in the second half," said Head Coach Becky Watkins. "We had to match their intensity, continue to get the ball on the ground and play even if the game got direct, and make sure we stayed confident no matter what challenges we might face." 

The second half saw momentum swing back and forth as South Suburban pushed to equalize. The Bulldogs leveled the score in the 50th minute and took the lead eight minutes later off a corner kick. Rock Valley quickly responded when Posada's corner was deflected off the underside of the crossbar and in. South Suburban regained the advantage in the 69th minute through forward Galilea Esparza, but the Golden Eagles equalized again in the 78th minute after a throw-in was switched across the field to Posada, who found left back Alanah Reyes. Reyes struck a first-time effort from 35 yards out that soared into the top corner, tying the match at 3-3. 

Neither side could find a winner in overtime, sending the contest to penalty kicks. "We had worked on penalties every training session for the past two weeks to decide the order, confidence, and placement just in case we ended up in this type of situation," Watkins said. "Really proud of the execution and quality we had when the ladies stepped up to the line. Both of our goalkeepers Kailie and Kristina had been very good in training, so it was a tough decision heading into the shootout. In the end, Kailie Murphy was warm and had a feel for the game, and she came up big saving the first Bulldog spot kick." 

With the victory, Rock Valley advances to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament, held in Wichita, Kansas, from November 16–22. 

For more information on Rock Valley College Women's Soccer, visit Rock Valley College Women's Soccer.