Women's Soccer Cruises to Home Victory

CRETE, Neb. – The Doane women's soccer team delivered a statement performance Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium/Papik Field, powering past Waldorf, 5–1, in GPAC play. The Tigers struck early and often, using a dominant first half to secure their second conference win of the season.

Doane (4-5-1, 2-1-0 GPAC) controlled the match from the opening whistle, outshooting Waldorf 13-1 in the first half and cashing in with four unanswered goals. The Tigers' pressure led the first career goal by Mackenzy Gipson as her shot hit the near post and deflected in off a defender for a score in the 34th minute to open the scoring, and the momentum never wavered. Less than two minutes later, Savannah Franzoy doubled the lead off a feed from McKenna Rathbun and Anali Astorga.

The Tigers kept their foot on the gas as Rathbun buried a goal in the 39th minute with a header, assisted by Franzoy off a corner kick, before setting up Anna Figueroa just before halftime to give Doane a commanding 4–0 lead at the break.

Waldorf (1-5-1, 0-3-0 GPAC) had no answers for Doane's relentless attack, though goalkeeper Mia Ramirez kept the margin from being larger with seven saves. The Tigers made it 5–0 in the 52nd minute when Gipson scored her second goal, converting another assist from Rathbun, who finished with a team-high three helpers and a goal of her own.

The Warriors avoided the shutout in the 78th minute when Olivia Cross found the net, but the outcome had long been decided. Doane outshot Waldorf 17-2 overall and held a 7-0 edge in corner kicks, showcasing their control in every phase.

Franzoy, Rathbun, Figueroa, and Gipson highlighted a balanced Doane attack, while Astorga added an assist in the midfield. Goalkeepers Virginia Johnson and Grayce Southern split time in net, with the back line limiting Waldorf to just one shot on frame.

With the victory, the Tigers climb above .500 in conference play and continue to build momentum heading into October. Doane returns to action next Saturday night, October 4, on the road against Dakota Wesleyan, looking to carry forward the offensive confidence sparked by Saturday's home triumph.

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