RCTC Downs Anoka-Ramsey to Capture Region 13 Title
The Rochester Community and Technical College women's soccer team delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, October 25, defeating Anoka-Ramsey Community College 11-1 to claim the Region 13 Championship on their home turf.
From the opening whistle, RCTC asserted its dominance. Just 43 seconds into the match, Becca Cook opened the scoring off a feed from Emma Scheppmann, setting the tone for what would become a relentless offensive display. Although Anoka-Ramsey briefly equalized in the 9th minute with a goal from Gigi Nyembwe, RCTC responded with a flurry of goals that left no doubt about the outcome.
Cook was unstoppable, netting five goals and adding an assist in a performance that showcased her scoring prowess. She was supported by a dynamic midfield and forward line, including Milla Van Der Velde, who tallied two goals and two assists, and Scheppmann, who added a goal and two assists of her own. Lilly Farrand contributed a goal and two assists, while Milayna Zwiener and the team added late goals to cap the scoring.
By halftime, RCTC had built an 8-1 lead, with goals coming in rapid succession from Cook, Van Der Velde, and Farrand. The second half saw continued pressure, with three more goals sealing the emphatic victory.
The Yellowjackets outshot Anoka-Ramsey 56-1, including 41 shots on goal. Andraya Sailor, the Anoka-Ramsey goalkeeper, made an impressive 30 saves despite the lopsided scoreline. RCTC's goalkeeper Miley Dostal faced just one shot, which resulted in the lone goal for the visitors.
RCTC's midfield controlled possession throughout, and their defense allowed no shots in the second half. The team also earned six corner kicks to Anoka-Ramsey's zero and committed just five fouls in a disciplined display.
With the win, RCTC not only secures the Region 13 title but also sends a strong message heading into the district tournament. By virtue of making the Region final, both teams qualify for the Midwest District Championships next week. RCTC will serve as the District Tournament host on Friday, October 31st, and Saturday, November 1st. RCTC will play in the first semi-final at 5:00 pm on Friday against the winner of Region 4, while Anoka-Ramsey will play in the second semi-final against the winner of Region 12 at 7:30 pm. The two semi-final winners will play at 1:00 pm on Saturday for a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament.
Release courtesy of Rochester Community and Technical College Athletics.
About the Minnesota College Athletic Conference
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is the organizational body for NJCAA-affiliated two-year technical and community college athletic programs in the Minnesota State system. The mission of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference is to advance intercollegiate athletics by providing an engaging and supportive environment for success of our student athletes and competition among member institutions. The MCAC is committed to the guiding principles of encouraging the development and success of student athletes, promoting the integrity, honesty and loyalty to member schools as well as upholding the sustainability of conference athletic programs.