Storm fall in final seconds of championship final

DUBUQUE, Iowa – In a gut-wrenching finish, the Simpson College women's soccer team fell 3-2 to Loras in the American Rivers Conference Championship match. 

The Storm (14-2-3) were on the cusp of championship glory after taking a 2-1 lead on a header goal by Elle Street with just 10 minutes remaining. But in a dramatic twist, Loras (19-0-0) equalized at 2-2 and then delivered a heartbreaking blow with just 19 seconds left on the clock to snatch the title from Simpson's grasp. 

Simpson's lead was its second of the match. Cassie Nash struck first in the 13th minute, scoring the first goal of the season against starting goalkeeper Kendall Kells off a double assist from Jordyn Foelske and Hailey Kowzan. Lauren Riggle and Reagan Lindsay teamed up to erase the Duhawks' first deficit of the season just three minutes later. 

Despite the defeat, the Storm are ranked No. 29 in the latest NPI rankings and remain in strong contention for an at-large bid to the NCAA DIII Tournament. Simpson will learn its fate during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. CT.

NOTES

• Both of Simpson's leads were the only deficits the Duhawks have faced this season.
• Cassie Nash became the first player to score a goal against Kendal Kells this season, while defender Elle Street found the back of the net for the first time in her career.
• Hailey Kowzan earned an assist on both of the Storm's goals, with her assist on Nash's being the 18th connection between the duo.
• The Storm are now 18-18-4 all-time in the conference playoffs.
• Loras wins its 17th tournament championship and extends its unbeaten streak against A-R-C schools to 41 games dating back to April 13, 2020.