WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Rock Valley College women's soccer team opened the 2026 season with an impressive weekend at the JUCO Kickoff Classic, earning a 2-0 victory over NJCAA Division II No. 19 Northeast Community College before battling NJCAA Division II No. 2 Heartland Community College to a 2-2 draw.
Rock Valley began the weekend on Friday with a strong defensive performance against nationally ranked Northeast Community College. Emilia Arias opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing an opportunity created by Jocelyn Harms. Joscelyn Posada added a second goal just before halftime, finding the back of the net in the 43rd minute off an assist from Kassandra Jimenez.
The Golden Eagles and Northeast each finished with 17 shots, but Rock Valley goalkeeper Sareth Marquez and the RVC defense preserved the shutout. Marquez recorded 10 saves in the victory.
Rock Valley returned to action Sunday against No. 2-ranked Heartland Community College and again showed its ability to compete with one of the nation's top programs.
After falling behind early, the Golden Eagles responded in the 14th minute when Arias scored off an assist from Araceli Delgado. Posada then gave Rock Valley a 2-1 lead in the 20th minute, the chance created by Arias with a back heel that split the Heartland defense and given Posada time to stroke a ball into the top corner.
Heartland equalized later in the first half, and neither team found the deciding goal during the second half as the match finished in a 2-2 draw.
Arias finished the weekend with two goals and one assist, while Posada scored twice. Marquez added another strong performance in goal against Heartland, recording six saves.
Rock Valley opened the season by scoring four goals against two nationally ranked opponents while earning a win and a draw during the opening weekend of competition.
