Lewis and Clark Women's Soccer Shows Resiliency in Back-to-Back Draws Against Ranked Opponents

Council Bluffs, IA — Lewis & Clark Community College women's soccer put together a gritty weekend performance, earning back-to-back ties against nationally ranked opponents Iowa Western and Butler.

On Saturday, the Trailblazers rallied late to earn a 1-1 draw with No. 10 Iowa Western. After Reivers opened the scoring in the 47th minute, Lewis & Clark's response was swift and determined. Sarah Heurtel equalized in the 84th minute, assisted by Madelynn Kuhn and Paula Gomez.

Head coach Justin Bernaix said the comeback underscored the team's character.

"For me, the significance of this result was our response after going down right at the beginning of the second half," Bernaix said. "After that moment, we showed a palpable resiliency and determination to get back into the game. We pinned a very strong team in their own end for the majority of the second half and created several scoring chances. We really feel we could (should) have won the game."

The following day, Lewis & Clark battled to another tie, 2-2, against Butler Community College.

"We knew it was going to be difficult to match the intensity from the emotionally (and physically) draining comeback against Iowa Western the night before," Bernaix said. "However, we played well defensively in the first half despite conceding a goal right at the stroke of halftime. Once again, we had to fight back from a deficit against another nationally ranked opponent. To the players' credit, they showed both determination and versatility as we changed our approach for the second half, resulting in two goals to take the lead. We are disappointed to give up the tying goal at the end, but credit to Butler for continuing to push. That is what good teams do."

Looking ahead, Bernaix said the demanding early schedule is helping shape the team's identity.

"We are playing well, but still feel we haven't seen our best form yet," Bernaix said. "The early half of our schedule is difficult, and this past weekend will drive our hunger to improve. We are looking forward to hosting another nationally ranked opponent (Indian Hills) this Friday."

Written by Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator