WSOCC 2009 Result: UMM 5, Buena Vista 0

Coming off a disappointing season-opening loss on Tuesday, the Cougar women roared back into form with a decisive 5-0 shutout of their hosts, Buena Vista University, in Storm Lake, Iowa. Five different players scored for UMM, including an unassisted goal by freshman reserve Kacie Ramirez, who punched home a winner on her very first touch of the ball on the college level. Junior goalkeeper Emily Jacob was credited with the shutout, turning away all six shots on goal.

For head coach Dan Magner, the story of the game was the weathering the first 15 minutes. “This was Buena Vista’s home opener and you could tell by their energy in the first half. Right away, they got off a few shots but EJ [Emily Jacob] made some great saves. That helped us settle down and wait for Buena Vista’s energy to slow down,” he said.

And when it did, the Cougars capitalized. Freshman Taylor Oistad, making her first college start, scored at the end of a four-pass combination, firing a low shot into the right corner of the net. “Taylor showed great poise on her goal,” Magner said. “She had a very open shot but she didn’t panic. She just took her time and got off a solid shot.”

Leading 1-0 at halftime, the Cougars extended their lead just two minutes into the second half when Katie Kestner, on a pass from senior captain Maddy Gerber, ripped a shot from 20 yards out. Three minutes later, Gerber scored on a penalty, giving UMM a 3-0 lead, and rising confidence. At the 57 minute mark, Taylor Meehan scored unassisted.

Ramirez added her tally just before the final whistle.

“Spirits were through the roof,” Magner said after the game. “We were really down after Gustavus and when you can rebound with a big win and get everybody in the game, that really helps morale.”

The lopsided score, Magner said, did not represent the game. “Buena Vista played very well and they fought the whole game. We just got on a roll and I hope we can carry that into tomorrow,” he said.

The Cougars face NAIA foe Mt. Mercy tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Teams 1^st 2^nd OT Final

Minnesota-Morris 1 4 0 0

Buena Vista University 0 0 0 0