Delta Pioneers Headed Back to the NJCAA Div. III National Soccer Tournament

Delta College is headed back to the NJCAA Div. III National Soccer Tournament hosted by Rock Valley Community College in Rockford, Illinois after posting 2-1 victories over Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Joliet Junior College over the weekend. In the first game on Saturday, the Pioneers extended its winning streak to 13 games in a row by besting Anoka-Ramsey in a match played at Joliet Junior College. Delta was led by Skylar Eckert as she put in both goals receiving assists from Hope Emmington and Hunter Kukla. Kalyn Breckenridge once again came up with a strong performance stopping 7 of the 8 shots taken by Anoka-Ramsey. Delta was behind 1-0 at the break but just 5 minutes into the second half Eckert tied the game and then put in the game winner with just 15 minutes remaining.

In game two played on Sunday, Delta jumped out to a lead 15 minutes in when Hope Emington's corner kick found Casey Allessie who made no mistakes in putting the ball past Daisey Quinonez of Joliet Junior College. Delta held a slim 1-0 lead going into the second half only to see Joliet's Katherine Rasmussen tie the game early in the second half on a pass from Lindsey Bond. The game remained tied with both teams getting opportunities but, thanks to Delta's deep bench, the Pioneers were able to wear down their opponents and get the game winner when Hunter Kukla directed the ball to Hope Emington who found the back of the net with the game winner. Coach Paul Stenglein was pleased with the performance of his team in winning 14 games in a row but stated he wants to go to the Nationals "and win three games in a row."