Sioux Center, Iowa. – The Friends University Falcons broke into the win column for the 2023 season in exciting fashion with a 3-2 victory at the Dordt University Defenders tonight (Sept. 1) in Sioux Center, Iowa.

Keily Larosee got the Falcons going early with the first of her two goals at nearly the seven minute mark of the first half.

The Defenders then pulled even on a goal by Karinna Tel before grabbinng the lead late in the first half when Tel assisted on a score by Shayla Van Beek.

But Larosee wasted no time in finding the back of the net again with a goal less than three minutes after halftime off an assist from Hailey Stiverson to make it a 2-2 gridlock.

It was then Hanon Nakagami that delivered the heroics with the eventual game-winning goal at the 68:46 mark of the match.

Freshman Morgan Wilkinson was more than able to make it stand, finishing the night with eight saves.

"Tonight was much needed for our group," said Friends women's soccer head coach Brent Hobson. "Our first couple of games we've been good in moments but didn't put it in the net. Tonight we had some really good goals from Keily and Hanon. Our best player tonight was Faith Smith, she played outstanding and spent 90 minutes marking their best player. She won her battle tonight."

The Falcons overcame deficits of 16-10 in shots overall and 10-7 on-goal, with Larosee leading the way with three shot attempts. Larosee, Nakagami and Stiverson each had a pair of shots-on-goal.

Tomorrow evening (Sept. 2), the Falcons remain in the Hawkeye state and will face Northwestern College (Iowa) at 6 pm in Orange City, Iowa.