Pratt, Kan. – The Pratt Community College women’s soccer team has been breaking program records since realigning to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II in the spring of 2020. Since then they have set the most program wins in a season last year with 11, finished runner up in both the NJCAA Region VI and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference the past two season. In addition, last season goalkeepers Jade Massing and Jessi Ferneau broke the program record for most shutouts in the season with five.
This season has been no different for the Beavers. They are on track to break, or tie the most wins in a season again as they are currently sitting with nine wins. With a dominant win this Wednesday, October 19th over the Hesston College Larks the team could secure the first seed in the NJCAA Region VI tournament since realigning. In addition, goalkeepers Massing and Ferneau already have six shutouts this season and have shattered last seasons record.
One record no one was talking about at the start of this season was the most goals scored in a season. The previous record was eight goals held by three different players. Most recently held by Quemberli Merida who last played in the fall of 2021.
That was before, freshman Leticia Tessi arrived on campus and become a star both on and off the field for the Beavers. Tessi broke the record back on October 5 against Southeast Community College when she scored her ninth goal of the season. She added one more goal to her total on October 12 to bring the record to ten goals.
“It means a lot to me and I am very happy to be able to be part of it, my journey here in Pratt has been a great challenge for me, but I am managing to reconcile my tasks and this reflects everything I work on and off the field,” said Tessi. “I always try to do my best in everything I do, and everything that is happening is part of everything I have been doing.”
Tessi is currently ranked nationally in the top 40 of goals scored this season. In addition, she has at least two more opportunities to add to her season total with the upcoming game against Hesston and in the first round of playoffs on October 27th. Finally, she was named the Pratt Athletics September Female Athlete of the Month
“I am very proud of Leticia and the hard work she has put in to accomplish this honor. Records are there to be broken and to set the bar higher each season,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach Ashley Burnett. “I also believe this is just the beginning for Leticia and is definitely one to watch as she continues to be an attacking threat.”
The Beavers will end their regular season tomorrow, October 19 at Hesston College. The game is set for 5:00 pm.