WWCC Women’s Soccer Triumphs in 2025 Season Opener
Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) kicked off its 2025 women’s soccer season with a 2-1 win over Lower Columbia College (LCC) in a Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) match. The game took place on Friday, Aug. 15, at Warrior Field and gave fans a glimpse of what this team might accomplish this year.
Both teams scored within the first 16 minutes. But it was WWCC’s Karen Villegas who found the game-winner in the second half.
Coach Jordan Hacker praised the squad, especially their leadership and attacking energy. He seemed genuinely pleased with how the group opened the season.
WWCC’s Early Dominance
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The Warriors came out swinging. Just 12 minutes in, Soleil Hoefer scored after a sharp assist from Payton Anderson.
That early goal set the pace for what quickly became a back-and-forth contest. The energy on the field was obvious.
Lower Columbia’s Quick Response
The Red Devils didn’t waste time getting even. Only four minutes after WWCC’s goal, Maylee Reynolds tied it up.
Both teams went into halftime locked at 1-1. It felt like anyone’s game at that point.
Second Half: The Decisive Moment
The second half brought a lot of strategic moves and hustle from both sides. At the 57-minute mark, Karen Villegas changed the game.
She took a pass from Jaden Ryan at the top of the 18-yard box, then fired a shot into the top of the net. That goal sealed the win for WWCC.
Coach Hacker’s Insights
Coach Jordan Hacker highlighted the impact of leaders like Natalia Yanetsko and Morgan Santos. He said their organization and motivation kept the team on track.
He also pointed out how the attacking group kept the pressure on LCC’s defense. They created chances throughout the match—something he wants to see continue.
Key Takeaways from the Match
There were some clear strengths and a few things to work on for WWCC. Here are the main points:
- Leadership: Veterans like Natalia Yanetsko and Morgan Santos guided the team when it mattered.
- Attacking Strategy: The forwards and midfielders kept LCC’s defense on their heels and generated real chances.
- Resilience: The team bounced back quickly after LCC’s equalizer, showing real mental grit.
- Defense: The defense held up well, though there’s always something to tighten up, especially after giving up a quick response goal.
Upcoming Matches
Fans have plenty to look forward to on the NWAC schedule. Every game is a chance for WWCC to prove themselves and climb the conference standings.
Conclusion
WWCC kicked off the season against Lower Columbia College with a match that kept everyone on their toes. That 2-1 win showed off the team’s potential and brought plenty of excitement.
The squad leaned on leadership and a resilient mindset to push through. Their attacking style? It looked sharp and honestly, it might just be the edge they need this year.
If you want more updates or want to dig into the details, check out the full article on the Union-Bulletin website.