Northeast women’s soccer records two wins in Colorado

STERLING, Colo. – The Northeast Community College women's soccer team started the 2019 season off on a high note on Friday and Saturday in Sterling, Colo.

Led by Mandy Stricker (Broomfield, Colo.) and Naomi Pedroza (Hastings, Neb), the Hawks (2-0) dismantled Northeastern Junior College 6-2 on Friday.

On Saturday, the Hawks blanked Pratt Community College 2-0 after Pedroza found the back of the net twice for Northeast.

Despite Northeastern taking an early lead on Friday, Stricker sparked the Northeast offense that ultimately gave the Hawks a 5-1 advantage heading into halftime. Mary Perez (Aurora, Colo.) and Kahrena Thompson (Jamestown, Colo.) tallied goals for Northeast. Pedroza put the game out of reach for good early in the second half.

Freshman Mackenzie Byrnes (Brighton, Colo.) recorded 11 saves in the net.

"I thought our girls played well," head coach Chad Miller said. "The fact that we were down for the first time in this early season and able to play from behind and not look back was a great thing to see. They kept the pressure on and didn't want to let up."

In the win over Pratt, Frida Aguilar-Ximello (Boulder, Colo.) found Pedroza twice in the second half to secure the win for the Hawks. Northeast out-shot Pratt 23-6 in the victory.

"The possession was good and we created a lot of great opportunities, especially in the first half," Miller said about the win over Pratt. "We struggled keeping the ball on frame in the first half, but really created some great chances."

Northeast returns to the pitch on Saturday as they take on Northeast Texas Community College at 2 p.m. in Mount Pleasant, Texas, followed by a match with Angelina College on Sunday in Lufkin, Texas.

For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.