Elli Kiselica uses some fancy footwork against the Chemeketa C.C. Storm during the Cardinal Classic Tournament. NIC went on to win their game with the score 8-1. (Gabe Green)
NIC women’s soccer destroyed the competition during both of their away games last weekend in Powell, Wyo. The women have won all four of their regular season games, shutting out their opponents in three of those matches.
The Lady Cards played against the Northwest College Trappers for their first game on Saturday. After two swift halves, NIC shut out the home team 2-0.
On Sunday, the women were matched up against the Bismark State Mystics. Easy shot opportunities made it possible to for NIC to cruise to victory when they closed out the game 8-0.
The Lady Cards shut out both opponents the previous week on home turf during the Cardinal Classic soccer tournament held Sept. 3 and 4.
The women won their first game 3-0 against Treasure Valley Community College of Ontario, Ore.
The first half started out quick and high paced with NIC swiftly scoring a goal. The women’s team seemed to be working well together and were excited and prepared to play.
“We have a lot more team chemistry this year and it shows with how we play together on the field,” said defender Lauryn Martel, 19, nursing.
Other players had things to say concerning the team and how they all get along.
“This year we have a really good team,” said Demi Wignot, 19, nursing. “We all get along great and haven’t had any problems yet this year.”
During the second half, NIC started to play the game differently. Although they chalked up two additional goals, the girls appeared to lose focus and acted jumpier than in previous bouts.
“We want to play more like we did in the first half when we really knocked the ball and controlled the ball and possessed a little bit more,” said Coach Dan Hogan.
The second day of the tournament continued with the women playing defeating Chemeketa Community College in a high energy and competitive game that ended with a score 8-1. NIC lead at half time with 6-1 and absolutely no signs of exhaustion
“We used our speed to go score goals,” Hogan said.
NIC scored two more goals in a second half that was just as energized and thrilling as the first.
“The competition wasn’t as good as we were hoping for, but it was still a pretty good game,” said Coeur d’Alene local and defender Rachel Crawford, 19, nursing.
“We were ready both games,” said forward Carissa Christensen, 18, physical education. “We played the best both games and the only difference was the intensity of the teams we played. We come in knowing we need to work hard. Pretty much, our game plan is possession.”
The coach had some encouraging words after the lady card’s performance during the tournament.
“It would have been nice to defend a little better at times but when you get ahead in games it makes it tough,” Hogan said. “You can get a little too relaxed.”
The Lady Cards have two home games in the following week. They play Northwest College on Sept. 16 at 4:00 p.m. and the University of Idaho Club team on Sept. 18 at 2:30 p.m.
