WILDER, Ky. - Carey Hebbeler’s goal off a 40-yard direct kick Friday night gave the Northern Kentucky University women’s soccer team a 2-1 victory over Tusculum (Tenn.) College at the Town & Country Sports Complex.
Hebbeler hit the winning shot seven minutes into the second half to keep NKU (5-0) unbeaten. The 40-yard shot sailed over Tusculum goalie Jennie Murphy and into the net for Hebbeler’s first score of the season.
Bessie Black gave NKU a 1-0 lead at the 32:05 mark off an assist from Stephanie Sandfoss. Tusculum, however, tied the match at 1-1 when Amber Ferchaud took a lead pass from Tara Henderson and found the net just before halftime.
NKU is ranked No. 3 nationally in the NCAA Division II poll, while Tusculum is rated 15th.
The Norse will play host to the nation’s top-ranked team - Christian Brothers University - at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Christian Brothers - last year’s NCAA Division II national runner-up - is currently 3-0 and has outscored the opposition 32-0 in those three victories. The Buccaneers feature senior forward Missy Gregg, who has 13 goals this season. A year ago, Gregg set an NCAA single-season record by scoring 73 goals as Christian Brothers advanced to the NCAA Division II finals.
Christian Brothers will take on Tusculum at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Town & Country Sports Complex before facing NKU on Sunday.
Carey Hebbeler