November 8, 2008
(release courtesy of Mark Adkins, Wartburg College sports information)

WAVERLY, IOWA . . . Overcoming a 24-7 shots disadvantage, second-seeded Loras College of Dubuque scored a pair of second half goals to equal the two second half scores of top-seeded Wartburg Saturday, Nov. 8, in the 2008 Iowa Conference women’s soccer tournament championship. The Duhawks (14-5-1) and Knights (17-2-2) played back-to-back scoreless extra sessions before Loras took home the tourney title with a 4-3 decision in penalty kicks.

Loras freshman midfielder Tonya Lohmeyer put home the winning penalty kick. The two sides split the first four attempts and missed the next three before junior midfielder Samantha Messacar put the Duhawks up 3-2. Wartburg freshman midfielder Katy Wendt tied it back up at 3-3, and Lohmeyer hit the match winner.

The Knights received goals from senior midfielder Rachel Oswald in the 62nd minute and an own goal just 30 seconds from the end of the regulation to force overtime. Loras compiled an own goal in the 56th minute and a score from freshman midfielder Kate Young in the 86th minute.

The men’s portion of the championship doubleheader went to third-seeded Wartburg. The Knights, upping their record to 15-6, received a goal from freshman midfielder Eduardo Axcer Way in the 14th minute, and junior goalkeeper Trent Michael made it stand up. Wartburg’s 2-0 final victory came via a goal from freshman midfielder Nate Gottsacker just 10 seconds from the end.

Michael repelled five shot-on-goal attempts from the Duhawks (16-4-1). Sophomore midfelder Matt Lamale led a 15-9 shots advantage with three tries.

NOTES: Loras’ women will be making their seventh NCAA Division III national appearance, equaling the number of conference tournament titles they have won. Wartburg’s men earned their seventh consecutive bid to the NCAA Division III national championships by winning their fourth league tournament title.

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