October 15, 2025
SPENCER, Iowa – In a top-of-the-table ICCAC clash, the Iowa Lakes women's soccer team earned a decisive 3–1 win over Hawkeye Community College on Wednesday afternoon. Entering the match tied for first in the conference at 5–1, the Lakers' victory puts them in control of their own championship destiny heading into the regular-season finale.
The match opened with intensity and precision from both sides, but it was Iowa Lakes who broke through first in the 37th minute. Ines Balaghni slipped a perfectly timed pass through the defense to Chanell Makusu, who used the outside of her foot to beat the Hawkeye goalkeeper to the right side — a composed finish that gave the Lakers a 1–0 lead heading into halftime.
Hawkeye equalized in the 50th minute when Grace Lee was sent through on goal. Goalkeeper Holly Poole came off her line to challenge the breakaway, but Lee managed to slot the ball past her to level the score at 1–1.
The Lakers responded immediately. Just two minutes later, Miu Kamei drew a foul inside the penalty area, setting up Emma Fournie, who calmly converted the penalty kick to restore the lead. Iowa Lakes struck again in the 56th minute when Zoe Lawrence broke a line through the middle and slipped the ball to Kamei, whose well-struck shot deflected off a defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net for a 3–1 advantage.
Poole was sharp once again, finishing with six saves on seven shots faced. The Lakers' back line stayed organized and disciplined, holding Hawkeye scoreless for the final 40 minutes to close out the match.
The physical contest featured four yellow cards: one to Iowa Lakes (Caitlinn Mann, 25') and three to Hawkeye — Jael Bruhlmeier (41'), Amy Knock (58'), and Jil Lehmann (68') — as both sides battled fiercely for control of the ICCAC standings.
The game was played in cold, overcast conditions with patches of fog. While the crowd was sparse, the Lakers received strong support from Iowa Lakes administrators, including College President and the Dean of Students, who were on hand to witness the pivotal win.
Head Coach Mukwa Ogitchida reflected on the magnitude of the moment:
"This was a huge moment for Iowa Lakes Women's Soccer. This game was all about controlling the pace of the game. The team responded in two different moments. First, when things got tough in the first half we were able to hold on until we found the breakthrough. Then, in the second half when they tied the game, our response was championship level. Now we get to play for a championship next week."
With the win, Iowa Lakes improves to 9–4–1 overall and 6–1 in ICCAC play, moving into sole possession of first place. The Lakers will close out the regular season next Wednesday at Iowa Central, with the ICCAC Championship on the line.