By Emily Leclair

The ‘Hawks remain the team to beat after winning their WIAC opener against UW- River Falls on the road Saturday afternoon 1-0. The ‘Hawks now have an overall record of 6-0-2 with four shutouts this season.

At just 8:23 into the game junior midfielder Sarah Sedlar took a pass from freshman forward Carly Pottle and scored first and only goal of the game, landing in the lower left hand corner of the Rival Falls goal. The goal was Sedlar’s second of the season.

The ‘Hawks had been out senior defender Jessica Allemang due to a groin injury but made a return to the field on Saturday.

“She played the full match. She played very well,” said head coach Ryan Quamme. “It was great to have her back in the lineup. She played an outstanding match.”

The ‘Hawks showed no mercy against River Falls, taking 11 shots in the game with five on goal. The Falcons only took five shots with one on goal. The ‘Hawks also had an advantage in corner kicks with 13 opportunities while River Falls only had two.

Junior goalkeeper Jordan Myers had one save for the ‘Hawks in the 90th minute of the game.

“The defense was great. The last five games the defense has been really solid,” said Quamme.

“I think overall our team played well together and I thought our back line did a good job containing the other team,” said Myers.

The ‘Hawks are expected to win the WIAC for the second year in a row and by the looks of their record they are well on their way.

“I like where our team is at and the direction we’re heading” said Quamme. “We’re excited about the next five weeks.”

“I’m hoping we go undefeated again,” Myers said.

The ‘Hawks will continue WIAC play against UW-Oshkosh on the road Wednesday at 7 p.m. This could be the biggest game of the season for the ‘Hawks.

“Oshkosh is our biggest rival” said Myers. “I think that the Oshkosh game and the Wartburg Game will be our biggest games of the season.”

“Oshkosh is always a great rival for us.” said Quamme. “They’re very well coached and very well organized.”

Oshkosh currently holds an overall record of 3-4-1 but are 1-0 in conference play.