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 Lakers rose to the moment. Poole denied Johnson County’s first attempt, setting the tone early. Mathews, Fournie, Montenegro, and Prie all buried their penalties with confidence, and Poole’s second save on the Cavaliers’ fourth kick clinched the 4–2 shootout victory, sparking wild celebrations as Iowa Lakes captured its first-ever North Plains District title.
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.