KENOSHA, Wis. – William Shakespeare's words, “Once more into the breach, dear friends, once more,” never rang as true as they do now for the Northern Kentucky University women's soccer team, which claimed a 1-0 victory over Rockhurst in the first round of the NCAA Division II Tournament on Friday afternoon. With the win, the Norse advance to face Wisconsin-Parkside for the third time this season.
The Norse (16-3) opened their attack fast and furious, outshooting the Hawks (10-6-3) by a 14-3 margin in the first half, including a 6-1 edge in shots on goal. Kelly Snead was NKU's avenger, scoring on a header from a Brandi Doss corner kick in the 44th minute to notch her third goal of the season.
Angela Healy was perfect in net for the Norse, stopping all four shots to come her way to earn her fifth shutout of the season. Across the field, Rockhurst's Alyssa Miller had nine saves in the loss.
Earlier this season, Rockhurst defeated NKU for the first time in school history with a 1-0 decision in Kansas City, Mo.
Sunday will mark the first time in NKU history that the Norse have faced the same opponent three times in a season. In each of the past two trips, the Norse have fallen to the Rangers, dropping a 3-0 decision on Sept. 12 to open GLVC play, and falling by a 2-1 score in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament Championship. The Rangers are the first team to ever defeat the Norse twice in the same season. Kickoff for Sunday's contest is set for 1 p.m.
