The Lake Forest College women's soccer team opened the NCAA Division III Tournament with a dominant 4-0 win over Spalding on Saturday morning at Mohr Field. With the result, the Foresters move to 21-0 and continue one of the most impressive seasons in program history.
Freshman Maddie Vasquez set the tone early, scoring in the sixth minute to give Lake Forest an immediate spark. The Foresters played with confidence from the start and continued to apply pressure throughout the first half.
Senior Theresa Presberg doubled the lead in the seventeenth minute, finishing off a clean attacking sequence that pushed the momentum firmly in Lake Forest's favor. The group kept the pressure on and continued generating chances throughout the opening period.
Senior Anna Gracia added the third goal of the match in the forty fourth minute off an assist from senior Anna Hoffman, giving Lake Forest a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
The Foresters struck again early in the second half when senior Anna Hoffman scored in the sixtieth minute on an assist from senior Theresa Presberg. The goal capped off a strong offensive performance with multiple players impacting the score sheet.
The Forester back line was composed, organized, and effective throughout the match. Junior Lola Halsband, senior Gianna Logue, freshman Veronica Presberg, and senior Theresa Presberg kept Spalding from finding rhythm in the attacking third. Senior Greta Norville secured the shutout with five saves.
Lake Forest outshot Spalding 21 to 7 and held a 6 to 3 advantage in corner kicks. The Foresters controlled possession, moved the ball cleanly through midfield, and showcased the balance that has defined their undefeated season.
This 21-0 record ties the 2014 team for the best season mark in program history, placing this year's group alongside one of the most accomplished squads Lake Forest has ever fielded. With a win tomorrow, the Foresters would stand alone with the best season in program history.
With today's result, Lake Forest advances to the NCAA Second Round, where the Foresters will look to carry their momentum forward and continue their pursuit of a deep postseason run.
