It was an emotional day for the Iowa Central women's soccer team here Thursday at Rogers Sports Complex.

As the Tritons said farewell to six sophomores, they were able to also get back on track, posting a 4-1 victory over Iowa Lakes.

Anna Pons, Amber Vanderveer, Annabelle Friege, Elicia Mulvaney, Amber Westling, Julia Herbst and Flavie Sallaz were all recognized for their efforts within the program over the past two years. 

"It's definitely been tough, especially this year," Iowa Central head coach Jared Beauchamp said. "But they all came in and have stayed on course. It really has been great having this group back to help lead the freshmen. They have all really stepped up into those leadership roles within the team."

It was a big day for Pons, as she recorded two goals with classmates Herbst and Mulvaney also getting in on the action. Mulvaney and Pons each added an assist.

Pons, Vanderveer, Friege, Mulvaney, Westling and Herbst have been mainstays for the last two years on the pitch for Beauchamp, with Sallaz joining the team this year. Four of the seven are planning to play soccer at the next level with Friege heading to Life University, Mulvaney to Young Harris College, Herbst at William Carey University and Sallaz to the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

"They have all meant a lot to the program," Beauchamp said. "They did a great job of keeping the culture throughout this tough time."

Iowa Central now has over a week off to prepare for its final regular season match of the year, heading to Ottumwa on Saturday, May 8 to meet Indian Hills.

"We'll get some rest and heal up those that are a little hurt," Beauchamp said. "This was a great way to end our home season and get back in the win column."

-By Dana Becker