Norse leapfrog Knights with win in Waverly

The Luther College women’s soccer team ran its string of consecutive wins to five, after posting a 2-0 victory over nationally ranked #13 Wartburg College Oct. 24 in Waverly, Iowa.

The victory also bolted the Norse into a tie in the league standings with a league record of 5-1-1 and 16 points. Wartburg, who was previously leading the league, fell to 5-2-1 and also has 16 points, but the Norse have a game in hand on the Knights who completed their conference schedule Oct. 24. A Norse victory next Saturday over Coe College (Iowa) will secure the 2009 conference title.

After a scoreless first half, Luther knocked in both of its goals within seven minutes of each other in the second frame. Lisa Torgerson (‘10) drove in what proved to be the game winner in the 56th minute. Torgerson’s goal was her third of the year. Anna Grinde (‘11) put a little icing on the cake with her fifth goal of the year in the 63rd minute. Both goals were unassisted.

Hannah Wright (‘11) faced two shots on goal en route to her seventh consecutive shut out, her eighth of the year. Wright, was also recently named IIAC athlete of the week for her stellar performances this season with wins over Buena Vista University (5-0) and UW- Platteville (3-0) and a tie at Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) (0-0).

In a previous game against Central College (Iowa), the Norse secured their spot in the six-team Iowa Conference Tournament that will begin Nov. 3. The Norse have never missed the league tournament since its inception in 1996 and will be making their 14th consecutive appearance.

The Norse will finish off their regular season at home against Coe Oct. 31, followed by the first round of the IIAC Tournament Nov. 3 or 4.