Sterling steps up for DWU in GPAC playoff win
FREMONT, Neb. – After playing sporadically in just four games this season, sophomore Alex Sterling (Rapid City, S.D.) picked a great time to have a breakout game for the Dakota Wesleyan University women’s soccer team.
FREMONT, Neb. – After playing sporadically in just four games this season, sophomore Alex Sterling (Rapid City, S.D.) picked a great time to have a breakout game for the Dakota Wesleyan University women's soccer team.
Sterling scored both goals for the No. 6 seed Tigers in an overtime win over No. 3 Midland University 2-1 in the first round of the Great Plains Athletic Conference playoffs Tuesday in Fremont, Neb.
Sterling gave DWU the lead in the 35th minute on an unassisted goal to send the Tigers into the locker room up 1-0. Midland responded quickly after the break, with Kaitlyn D'Arcangeli scoring the game-tying goal in the 47th minute.
The Tigers battled to keep the Warriors at bay, despite being outshot 23 to 6. The Warriors had plenty of chances, taking seven corner kicks, while DWU finished with none. Tiger freshman goalkeeper Cici Schneider (Sioux Falls, S.D.) made nine saves in the win.
The game-winning goal was scored in the 100th minute, with just 58 seconds left in the first overtime period. Sterling's second tally was also unassisted.
The Tigers (9-9-1) move on to the GPAC semifinals to play Concordia University, the No. 2 seed, at 5 p.m. Saturday in Seward, Neb. The Bulldogs advanced with a 2-1 win over Doane College Tuesday.