Dominant second half leads to 4-2 victory for women's soccer in home opener

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The rainy weather couldn't stop the Viterbo University women's soccer team from opening up their season at home on Saturday. The V-Hawks defeated the Dordt University Defenders (Iowa) with a final score of 4-2.

Dordt struck first and claimed the only goal of the first half at the 20-minute mark. Viterbo struck early after halftime with back-to-back goals from Emma Weber (So. – Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and Abigail Mumm (So. – Brookfield, Wis.) to put the V-Hawks up 2-1. Madison Werle (So. – Rochester, Minn.) extended the Viterbo lead after a goal halfway through the second half. A few minutes later, Sydney King (Jr. – Blue Mounds, Wis.) scored on a breakaway after a perfectly-placed pass from Alexie Stephani (Fr. – Blaine, Minn.). The Defenders scored the last goal of the game at 86' but it wasn't enough to pose the comeback and the V-Hawks secured the win.

Melissa Lange (So. – Mukwonago, Wis.) and Abby Breitbach (Sr. – Oregon, Wis.) each played a half at goalie and combined for seven saves in the game. The V-Hawk defense allowed only two goals out of 12 shots on goal from Dordt.

The V-Hawks (1-0) will travel to the University of Northwestern-St. Paul on Tuesday, September 15. The next home game for Viterbo women's soccer will take place on October 1 at 4:00 p.m. at the Outdoor Athletics Complex. Follow all of the action on V-Hawk Game Day or by following us on our social media platforms.