Women's Soccer Edged in Home Finale Despite Two Rathbun Goals

CRETE, Neb. - Doane women's soccer dropped a hard-fought 3-2 decision to Morningside on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium/Papik Field in the home finale. With the win, Morningside clinched the GPAC regular season title

Senior McKenna Rathbun continued her breakout offensive form in GPAC play, scoring both of Doane's goals — one in each half — to keep the Tigers within striking distance of the Mustangs. Her first tally came in the 44th minute, finishing a feed from Savannah Franzoy off a free kick to level the match 1-1 before halftime. Rathbun later struck again in the 80th minute on a free kick, trimming the deficit back to one after Morningside had pushed ahead 3-1. She sits 8th all-time in goals scored for the Tigers with 26.

Morningside (11-1-3, 8-1-1 GPAC) took the lead in the 40th minute on a goal from Keyera Harmon, then regained control early in the second half when Tuva Hammarlund scored twice — in the 50th and 80th minutes — to provide the decisive margin. The Mustangs finished with an 18-6 edge in shots and 11-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Doane's goalkeeper tandem of Virginia Johnson and Grayce Southern combined for eight saves, with Johnson turning away three first-half attempts and Southern adding five stops after the break. Defensively, Doane battled through physical play to limit Morningside's scoring opportunities throughout the game.

With the loss, Doane falls to 8-7-2 overall and 6-3-1 in GPAC play. The Tigers close out the regular season at Concordia on Wednesday evening. Doane controls its own fate with a potential home GPAC post-season game at stake.

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