WAVERLY – Wartburg College put itself in strong position for a top two seed in the 2010 Iowa Conference postseason tournament with a 3-2 double overtime thriller over the University of Dubuque Oct. 23.
Coach Sara Johnson’s team (11-4-1, 6-1 IIAC) bounced back from a pair of one-goal deficits to force extra time and upend the Spartans (9-6-2 overall, 5-2 IIAC). Junior forward Chelsea Frye's (Waverly) fifth goal of the season leveled the match at 1-1 in the 33rd minute, and junior midfielder Katy Wendt's (Bettendorf) team-leading 14th goal set up overtime possibilities in the 51st minute.
After a scoreless first overtime, freshman midfielder Anna Aquino (Bettendorf)hit a free kick from just outside the box that lofted high and above Spartan goalkeeper Natalie Baker's out-stretched arms. The ball reached the upper left hand corner of the net for the winning score.
Wartburg held a 23-11 shots advantage on their guests. Wendt topped the category with seven tries.
The Knights begin the final week of the regular season with a regional road trip to UW-Eau Claire Thursday, Oct. 28. Match time is 4 p.m.
Notes – The Orange and Black’s win was their sixth in the last seven matches. … Wendt’s goal marked the fourth consecutive match in which she’s done so. … After the clash with the Blugolds, Johnson’s crew closes the conference regular season slate with a 6 p.m. match at Simpson Saturday, Oct. 30.
