WICHITA, Kan. – The Iowa Lakes women's soccer team completed the greatest season in program history this week, competing in the NJCAA National Tournament for the first time ever after winning the ICCAC regular season title, the Region XI Championship, and the North Plains District Championship.

The Lakers made their national tournament debut on November 17 against Southern Union State (AL), battling to a 1–1 draw after 110 hard-fought minutes. Freshman Ines Balaghni opened the scoring just 2:20 into the second half, capitalizing on a loose ball at the top of the box to put Iowa Lakes in front. Southern Union equalized in the 71st minute, and despite several late pushes from the Lakers — including strong extra-time looks from Mahee Montenegro and Chanell Makusu — the match finished level.

In the ensuing seven-round penalty shootout, Iowa Lakes received confident finishes from Stina Mathews, Balaghni, Zoe Lawrence, Emma Fournie, and Amelie Prie, but Southern Union converted five of seven to advance 5–4 on penalties. Goalkeeper Holly Poole, coming off two saved penalties in the district final, nearly turned the shootout again with another fingertip stop that flashed wide before catching the post.

The Lakers returned to the field the following day for their second group match, falling 2–0 to Northwest Mississippi, who scored twice in the opening eight minutes. From that point forward, Iowa Lakes settled and pushed forward with purpose, outshooting Northwest Mississippi 7–2 after halftime but unable to find the late breakthrough. Poole was outstanding once again, making eight saves, including multiple full-extension stops that kept the Lakers within striking distance until the final whistle.

Even in defeat, Iowa Lakes showed the qualities that defined their season — resilience, tactical discipline, composure under pressure, and commitment to playing football the right way.

A Season That Changed the Program Forever

The Lakers finish the 2025 season 13–5–3 overall, rewriting the school's record books. This year's team:

• Won the ICCAC regular season championship

• Won the Region XI Championship

• Won the North Plains District Championship

• Reached the NJCAA National Tournament for the first time in school history

• Defeated the #1 team in the nation (Johnson County) in the district final

• Recorded 12 clean sheets, including four straight going into nationals

Goalkeeper Holly Poole delivered one of the greatest seasons ever by an Iowa Lakes player, finishing with over 100 saves and 12 shutouts, including two penalty saves in the district title shootout.

The Lakers also proved their attacking depth, with major goals scored throughout the season by Balaghni, Makusu, Montenegro, Zamorano, Prie, and Mathews, among others — while multiple matches were won through well-drilled set-piece execution.

This season also included some of the defining moments in program history:

• The cold November night in Spencer where Iowa Lakes held undefeated #1 Johnson County scoreless through 110 minutes

• The 4–2 shootout victory that crowned them District Champions

• Eight packed home matches that created a growing soccer community on campus

• A national tournament debut that showed Iowa Lakes belongs on the national stage

Coach Ogitchida Reflects on a Season of Transformation

Head Coach Mukwa Ogitchida, in his first national tournament appearance as a collegiate head coach, expressed immense pride in what the players achieved:

"This season has changed the standard of what Iowa Lakes women's soccer is and what it can be. We didn't just talk about competing nationally — we went out and did it. The growth, belief, and trust in this group was special. To win the conference, the region, the district, and play at nationals shows the power of team identity and commitment. We have laid a foundation, and this is only the beginning."

A New Era Has Arrived

With nearly every major milestone in program history achieved in one season — and a roster featuring many key returners — Iowa Lakes will head into 2026 as a program no longer building toward national relevance, but already standing in that spotlight.

The Lakers are no longer a Cinderella story — they are now one of the nation's rising programs.