SPENCER, Iowa – The Iowa Lakes women's soccer team made history on Friday afternoon, defeating #1-ranked and Region 6 Champion Johnson County Community College (20–0) in penalty kicks to capture the 2025 North Plains District Championship and earn the program's first-ever berth in the NJCAA National Tournament.

After 110 minutes of scoreless play, the Lakers prevailed 4–2 in the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Holly Poolemaking two crucial saves and Stina Mathews, Emma Fournie, Mahee Montenegro, and Amelie Prie all converting from the spot to seal the victory.

The result marks redemption for Iowa Lakes, who fell 2–1 to Johnson County in last year's district final. This time, the Lakers' resilience and composure carried them through against the nation's top-ranked, undefeated team.

Poole was sensational throughout, recording eight saves to secure her 12th clean sheet of the season — and fourth in a row — behind a disciplined back line of Prie, Caitlinn Mann, Chanell Makusu, and Claudia Beaujon.

Iowa Lakes produced several quality chances during regulation. The best opportunity came in the 89th minute, when Mahee Montenegro sparked a brilliant counterattack, combining with Mathews to slip Ines Balaghni through on goal, but her shot lifted just over the bar.

In overtime, the Lakers continued to press. In the 102nd minute, Olivia Parker fired a high, curling shot that forced the Johnson County keeper into a full leap to catch. Then, with only 15 seconds remaining, Makusu spun on the ball just outside the box and unleashed a rocket toward the top left corner, but the keeper produced an outstanding fingertip save to push it away.

When the final whistle sounded, the match moved to penalties — and the drama only intensified.

• First Round: Stina Mathews calmly buried her attempt to open the shootout, matched moments later by Johnson County.

• Second Round: The Cavaliers' keeper made a save to keep things level, but Poole answered immediately, diving to deny Johnson County's next shot and preserve the tie.

• Third Round: Emma Fournie and Johnson County both converted with precision strikes.

• Fourth Round: Mahee Montenegro coolly placed her shot into the side netting, then Poole made a full-stretch dive to her right, deflecting the ball onto the crossbar and out — putting Iowa Lakes ahead.

• Fifth Round: That set up the decisive moment for Amelie Prie, who paused for two steadying breaths before striking the ball with such power that, even though the keeper dove the correct direction, she could not touch it as it hit the back of the net — sealing the 4–2 shootout win.

The Lakers bench and the packed Spencer crowd erupted as the ball crossed the line, celebrating a historic victory and the program's first-ever trip to the NJCAA National Tournament.

Head Coach Mukwa Ogitchida praised his team's belief and growth throughout the season:

"To come back here one year after losing this exact game and win it against the number one team in the country — it's unbelievable. This group believed in themselves every step of the way. Holly was incredible, our back line was rock solid, and every player played with heart and discipline. This win is for everyone at Iowa Lakes who believed in what this program could become."

The game was played under cold and windy November skies in Spencer, with a passionate crowd of students, faculty, and community members cheering the Lakers to victory.

With the result, Iowa Lakes improves to 13–4–2 overall, completing a remarkable postseason sweep — winning the ICCAC regular season, Region XI championship, and now the North Plains District championship. The Lakers will now prepare for the 2025 NJCAA National Tournament, marking the first appearance in school history on the national stage.