Alexys Riksen hat trick lifts Western Michigan Christian past Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian

Local Sports Journal

Western Michigan Christian overcame a pesky Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian girls soccer team with a 4-2 victory on Thursday.

Alexys Riksen led WMC with a hat trick. She scored  the Warriors’ first three goals.

The Warriors were challenged throughout the contest, but were able to hold onto the lead after Riksen put WMC up 3-2 with 14 minutes left to play.

Julie Merz gave the Warriors breathing room four minutes later by scoring on a pass from Jessica Kinnucan.

“We played well but they never quit playing and put pressure on us right to the end,” said WMC coach David Hulings. “It was good to run to see what we are like under pressure. We were fortunate to get out of Tri-Unity with the win.”

Riksen tied the score 1-1 midway through the first half on a pass from Mykayla Denison. The Warriors took a 2-1 lead four minutes before halftime with Riksen connecting on a pass from Brea Frein.

WMC held a 16-10 edge in shots as goalie Lindsey Johnson made seven saves.

Kinnucan finished with a pair of assists for the Warriors.