Kearney, Neb. – Freshman Vanna Reitsma scored two goals as Nebraska Kearney overwhelmed William (Mo.) Jewell, 2-0, Sunday afternoon at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium.
In the early contest, Rockhurst beat Fort Hays State by a 2-1 score.
UNK (1-0-1) was in Cardinals (0-0-2) territory most of the day, leading to a 19-1 shot advantage. Reitsma (Bellevue West) had a team-best five shots, four on goal, with junior reserve Daniella Iaquinta (Aurora, Colo.) at three. Overall, 11 different Lopers had at least one attempt.
"It was a great result, and we did exactly what we talked about when it came to their pressing cues, when they were trapping the team in certain areas and then creating progressive passes and opportunities," said Loper head coach Rob Breton. "There's a lot of progress made but at the same time, we never want to be happy with just what we've done. We want to find things we can continue to grow in, so we don't get that complacent mindset."
Reitsma's first goal came in the 11th minute and off a corner taken by senior Iliana Wurzbacher (Atchison, Kan.). The corner went right down the line, glancing off Reitsma's shoulder as she was leaping for a header. In the 59th minute, senior Reegen McKee (Fruita, Colo.) sent a cross that found a charging Reitsma in the box. She becomes the 12th Loper to score twice in a game; UNK has never had a "hat trick" in its history (2009-pre.).
"We did not, at any point, slow down just because we were winning. And that's a huge step in the right direction for us," said Breton. "Having three goals from our freshmen shows we brought in the correct players this year to help move the program in the right direction."
The Lopers head to Wayne State (1-0) and Sioux Falls (0-1) next weekend. The Wildcats are at MIAA member Missouri Western on Wednesday with USF playing NAIA Dakota State tonight at 5 p.m.
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