CEDAR FALLS, Iowa- The Western Illinois women's soccer team scored three goals in just over nine minutes to defeat Northern Iowa, 3-0, at the Cedar Valley Youth Soccer Association Complex.

"They came out strong in the first half and put a lot of pressure on us," said Western Illinois head coach Tony Guinn. "But we didn't get scored on, which is a good thing. It was an all around strong effort by all players on defense."

The Westerwinds (2-2-1) and the Panthers (0-7-1) played to a scoreless tie in the first half with the Panthers applying a lot of pressure. Northern Iowa had a penalty kick opportunity in the opening half, but it hit the post, keeping the game at 0-0.

The Panthers would hit the post two more times, along with a shot off the crossbar, in the first half before the Western broke the game open in the second half. Freshman Alyssa Johnston (Granger, Ind./Penn) headed the ball over the defense in the 61st minute of the game and found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Johnston beat the Panthers' freshman goalie for her third goal of the season.

Three minutes later, fellow freshman Nora Potempa (Tinley Park, Ill./Marist) gathered the ball, after junior Andrea Cain (Grimes, Iowa/Dallas-Center/Iowa Central CC) collided with the keeper, and deposited it into the back of the net for her first goal as a Westerwind.

"I'm really happy with this year's newcomers," stated Guinn. "They work hard and give a big effort. We needed people to step up in positions that matter and Nora has done that. She hasn't played a lot lately, but she made the most of her opportunity tonight."

Senior Ashley Hoch inched closer to the all-time goal scoring record at Western by finishing the scoring for the game. Hoch received a pass from Potempa on the left side and ripped a shot past the outstretched hands of Northern Iowa keeper Lauren Potzman. The goal was Hoch's second of the season and 19th goal of her career, which ties her with Amanda Wandtke (1998-01) and puts her one shy of tying Robyn Ruypers (2004-07).

Three goals were more than enough for sophomore goalkeeper Meghan Tyk (Whitefish Bay, Wis./Whitefish Bay) who made six saves in her first win of the season. It was her 13th win and sixth shutout of her career.

The Westerwinds head to Bloomington, Ill., to square off against in-state rival Illinois State Friday, Sep. 19, at 4 p.m. at Adelaide Street Field. They return home for a 2 p.m. match against Eastern Illinois at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.