FORT DODGE, Iowa – The Iowa Lakes women's soccer team captured the ICCAC Championship on Wednesday evening, defeating Iowa Central Community College 2–0 to complete a remarkable late-season surge and claim the program's first conference title under Head Coach Mukwa Ogitchida.

The match began with intensity and pressure from Iowa Lakes, who earned two early chances from the penalty spot. In the 12th minute, Miu Kamei drew a penalty kick, followed by another in the 31st minute earned by Maddy Waterhouse. Though the Lakers were unable to convert either opportunity, the missed chances did not shift the momentum — a reflection of the team's confidence and composure on a championship stage.

The breakthrough finally came in the 32nd minute, when Stina Mathews and Ines Balaghni combined on a slick one-two, freeing Mathews inside the box to slot home the opening goal and give Iowa Lakes a 1–0 halftime lead.

The Lakers doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute on a well-rehearsed set piece — a corner kick from Mathewsthat found Amelie Prie, who headed it home to make it 2–0. It marked the third time this season that Iowa Lakes has scored from that specific corner routine, a testament to the team's precision and preparation on set pieces.

Goalkeeper Holly Poole was steady once again, recording five saves to earn her ninth clean sheet of the season. The Lakers' defense stayed organized and composed throughout the match, frustrating Iowa Central's attack and preserving the shutout.

The night was cool but sunny, providing ideal conditions for the championship clash. While the match was played on the road, many at Iowa Lakes tuned in to the live stream, and calls and text messages of congratulations from staff, students, and fans poured in immediately after the final whistle — a proud moment for the entire college community.

Head Coach Mukwa Ogitchida praised his team's growth and focus:

"This is a special moment for Iowa Lakes Women's Soccer. We've talked all season about belief, consistency, and competing with heart — and today, the team showed all of that. To go on the road and win the conference in Fort Dodge, against a strong opponent, says everything about their growth and commitment."

With the victory, Iowa Lakes closes the regular season at 10–4–1 overall and 7–1 in ICCAC play, capturing the 2025 ICCAC Championship. The Lakers will return home for postseason play on Tuesday, with their opponent still to be determined.