The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk men’s and women’s soccer teams split their
matches with University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (UARM) Wednesday, with the women
falling, 7-2, and the men defeating the Bucks, 2-1.
In women’s action, NPC (0-4) took the early lead on a strike from freshman midfielder
Natalie Brice (Benton, Louisiana) 17 minutes into the contest and held the Bucks at
bay, defensively, for most of the first 45 minutes. Late in the first half, however,
UARM answered with two quick goals to take a 2-1 advantage going into halftime. In
the second half, UARM kept its momentum, adding two goals over 23 minutes. Freshman
striker Emily Gorrell (Tulsa, Oklahoma) put NPC cut the lead in half, 4-2, with 10
minutes to play. The Bucks added three goals over the final four minutes, however,
to put the match out of reach.
Freshman goalkeeper Dietie Hale (Hot Springs) picked up seven saves in the loss.
In men’s action NPC (4-0-1) gained the lead in the first half on sophomore center
back Tobias Minkus’ (Leipzig, Germany) team-leading third goal of the season. Less than 10 minutes later, UARM
responded with the equalizer, sending the game into halftime tied. In a back and forth
second half, Nighthawk sophomore striker Felix Rocca (Leipzig, Germany) broke through
the Bucks’ defense, scoring the game-winning goal, assisted by Minkus.
Sophomore keeper Evan Stafford (Cape Coral, Florida) added three saves in the win.
NPC faces Dallas College-Cedar Valley Sunday, September 10 in Lancaster, Texas. The
Nighthawk women take on the Suns at 2 p.m., followed by men’s action at 4 p.m.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
X: @NPC_Nighthawks
