The Western Nebraska Community College women's soccer team utilized four, second-half goals in capturing a 4-2 Region IX win over Sheridan College Saturday afternoon at the Landers Soccer Complex.

                The Cougars second half flurry of goals was something that they needed if they wanted to stay in position to host the Region IX play-in game later this month. Rhiannon Castle, one of eight Cougar sophomores who were recognized before the game, said they didn't want to suffer a loss in their final regular season home game.

                That is why the Cougars knew they needed to pick it up and, boy, did they ever.

                "The second half we actually played soccer," Castle said. "The first half we gave them time on the ball so we didn't do very well. The second half we started dominating and we go the goals back. Coach told us at halftime to past he ball around."

                The way they played in the second half shows just how good this team can be. The question is, they need to play both halves like the second half.

                "If we play like that, we can go far," Castle said.

                Sheridan controlled the tempo in the first half as Mikaela Perkins scored just 15 minutes into the game. That lead stayed that way until Peyton Dean launched a 50-foot shot that went into the upper corner of the net with three minutes to play for the 2-0 halftime lead.

                The second half saw a totally different Cougar team and it didn't take long for WNCC to get on the scoreboard as Eden Washington.

                WNCC finally tied the match with 24:17 remaining as Isabel Hunter delivered a pass to Kennedy Lawes, who soundly planted the ball in the back of the net. It was Lawes third goal in two games.

                The scored stayed that way until with just under 10 minutes to play. That was when Janie McAmis took control of the ball in the corner and dribbled a couple times and delivered a pass to Marissa Colgrove, who redirected the ball off her stomach into the net for the lead.

                WNCC added an insurance goal with under two to play. Washington netted her second goal after taking a pass from Hannah Wilke for the 4-2 lead.

                The Cougars even scored again on a Castle goal with a minute to play, but it was wiped out because of an offsides call.

                Castle said this team has plenty of talent and they need to continue building for the playoffs.

                "It is very important for everyone to be on because making goals win games," she said. "We need to start practicing on how to shoot because we don't do that very often [making shots]. Even with it being the end of the season, we still need to work on it."

                WNCC outshot Sheridan 23-5 and had five corner kicks to the Generals one. WNCC;'s Sierra Benavidez had one save in net, while Sheridan's Kara Sallie had three saves.

                WNCC will look to make a move up the Region IX standings when they travel to Cheyenne to face second-place Laramie County Community College before traveling to face Western Wyoming Community College over the weekend.

                And, if they finish in third, they will host the first-round match on Halloween. Castle said it is important to do that.