Vanden Avond Sets NCAA Division III Goals Record During Tie With UW-La Crosse

From Sports Information Director, October 24, 2015 | Women's Soccer
by Dan Lukes, dan.lukes@snc.edu, (920) 403-4077

DE PERE - St. Norbert College senior Katie Vanden Avond long pursuit of the NCAA Division III women's soccer career goals record is over.

Vanden Avond's goal in the 60th minute of the Green Knights' 1-1 tie with nationally ranked UW-La Crosse gave her the 125 goal of her career. The marker vaulted her past Luther College's Katie Pettigrew, who scored 124 goals from 2001-04.

"Nothing like this could have ever happened if it wasn't for this school, this team and this coach," said Vanden Avond, who had her No. 3 retired by St. Norbert on Oct. 18. "I consider myself incredibly lucky to be a Green Knight and that I got to play college soccer in my hometown.

"There is nothing like being a St. Norbert athlete. I want to thank my family, my boyfriend, Kory, my friends and my teammates for all of the support."

La Crosse (12-4-1), ranked No. 24 in this week's NCAA Division III Top 25 and the No. 1-ranked team in the North Region in this week's NCAA regional rankings, scored first in the 13th minute. Alex Cording's breakaway goal off a turnover in the St. Norbert defensive zone at 12:29 put the Eagles ahead early.

St. Norbert (10-4-2) finally broke through with the equalizer at 59:08. Sarah Bowles' pass bounced off a La Crosse player and to the foot of Vanden Avond, who creased two players for the finish on her 34th goal of the season.

La Crosse outshot St. Norbert 19-9 for the match and 7-1 in the two overtime sessions, but goaltender Maddie Plinska made nine saves for the Green Knights. Kennedy Brault made five saves for the Eagles.