Box Score DUBUQUE — A 2-0 cushion for the Central College women's soccer team was not enough as Loras College rallied for a 3-2 victory Tuesday night in Dubuque.

Regardless of the result on Tuesday night, Central (10-6-1, 4-4 American Rivers Conference) had already locked up a fifth-place finish in league play. Loras (14-3, 7-1 conference) secured the regular season title.

"I thought our women showed tremendous grit tonight," coach Mike Kobylinski said. "It's the happiest I've been all year despite the loss."

One shot attempt was all it took for the Dutch to get on the board as Lauren Vahlkamp (senior, midfielder, Quincy, Ill., Notre Dame HS) tucked the first shot of the game under the crossbar to give Central a 1-0 lead.

"Lauren hit a peach of a set piece," Kobylinski said. "After we got fouled at the top of the box, she finished the job."

The lead increased to 2-0 when Olivia Stoops (senior, midfielder, Morton, Ill.) connected a pass to forward Erin Manion (junior, Delafield, Wis., Kettle Moraine HS) in the 21st minute.

"Stoops was able to play it to Erin on the counter attack," Kobylinski said. "They got the keeper isolated and Erin tucked it away to the other post with her left foot. It was a striker's finish."

Facing 30 total shots and withstanding 19 on frame, goalkeeper Taylor Golt (sophomore, Crystal Lake, Ill., Prairie Ridge HS) had 15 saves.

"You obviously don't want them taking that many shots," Kobylinski said. "Taylor came up big with some huge saves. I think it was her best game of the year."

The Duhawks evened the match 2-2 with goals in the 28th and 36th minute. The game winner came in the 70th minute.

"Loras is good at what they do," Kobylinski said. "They're very physical and strong. No lead against them is safe. They did a good job of coming back."

Entering the conference tournament as the No. 5 seed, Central will play Saturday at No. 4 Dubuque. The start time of that match is yet to been determined. The Spartans (13-3-1, 5-2-1 conference) defeated Central 1-0 on October 9.

"We typically play them tough," Kobylnski said. "It's often one-goal games or we go to overtime. Hopefully, we can get everyone healthy and play at full strength for the first game all year."