The Western Nebraska Community College women's soccer fought hard, but saw their season come to an end with a 5-0 loss to Western Wyoming Community College Friday afternoon at Landers Soccer Complex.

                Before the match, the Cougars recognized eight sophomores:  Mariah Russel, Audrey Gosvener, Tanner Nelson, Marit Schelstraete, Amanda Duarte, Rachel Riordan, Danae Montalvo, and Melanie Belder.

Western Wyoming moves to 8-0-1 in conference play and will face Laramie County Community College on Saturday. WNCC finishes conference play at 3-8 and overall at 3-12,

                "I think we really pulled it together in the second half and overall not a terrible performance," the sophomore said. "I wish the first half could have been a bit better, but we live and we learn."

                For the sophomores, they didn't go out with a win, but they all played a vital part in the contest even though it doesn't show on the scoreboard. Gosvener said it has been a great two years at WNCC and she will always be a Cougar.

                "I think it's (today) such a mix of emotions," she said. "Honestly, for me, it was a little sad because I'm going to miss playing with all these girls. I've gotten really close with the whole lot of the freshmen and so not being able to play with them next year is sad."

                Gosvener from Cassville, Missouri, played her final match in a Cougar uniform with her sister driving up to watch her. Gosvener said they showed plenty of heart, especially in the second half, but overall didn't do bad against a very talented Western Wyoming team.

                While the score on the scoreboard showed 5-0, it was how the ladies played, especially in the second half. WNCC trailed 5-0 at halftime and the second half, against a quality of team Western Wyoming is who the only conference blemish was a tie with Casper College, the team showed they can play with the quality teams.

                "That is what happens when they capitalize on mistakes," Gosvener said. "So, if we didn't give them those opportunities, they wouldn't score," she said.

                Western Wyoming got on the scoreboard on an own goal with 15 minutes gone in the game. The Mustangs made it 2-0 as Kaydence Barber scored in the 25^th minute. After that, the Cougar defense played tough holding Mustangs to without a goal fir the next 19 minutes. With 6:12 to play Maddie Miller scored to make it 3-0.

                Three minutes later, Oakley Hess scored in the 42^nd minute and then Jordyn Gossett scored in the 44^th minute.

                The second half saw WNCC come out and play tough as they had played tough as Camilla Emanuelle de Souza had a excellent shot that went wide. Two minutes later, Julia Santos had a shot and just missed.

                With 19 minutes to play, Audrey had a nice shot from outside the bod which was saved.

                WNCC kept pushing as Santos went one-on-one toward the net and her shot went right to the goalkeeper. WNCC also had a nice shot with 10 minutes to play off a corner kick that didn't go in.

                For the sophomores, they know there playing career at WNCC is finished. Gosvener said now is the hardest part of what their plans are for next year and they will have second semester to iron out those plans.

                Yeah, now is the toughest part for sure," she said. "I mean, I'm just overall grateful for this team this season. Lots of opportunities and I appreciated it. I'll forever cherish my time at WNCC. Very grateful for the coaching staff and really just the entire community here."