The margin was a little closer than head coach Josh Visser would have liked, but the Pella Christian boys soccer team snapped their pattern of sluggish Monday performances to notch a 5-3 win over Nodaway Valley in the opening round of the Class 1A Substate Tournament. The Eagles sprinted out to a 4-1 halftime lead, thanks to a hat trick by Dan Hessing.

Though the defense bent to allow two Wolverine goals in the second half, they did not break, and the Eagles held on for the win. Hessing was involved in every goal of the night, as he also assisted on scores by Jordan Van Maanen and Jon Lensing. Freshman goalkeeper Alek Vink recorded 11 saves for the Eagles, who will play at home on Wednesday night against PCM.

The Mustangs notched a 4-2 win Monday night over Grandview Park Baptist to advance.

Statistics:
1st Half: 4-1

Goal #1: 1’…Goal Dan Hessing, Assist Jon Lensing
Goal #2: 2’…Goal Dan Hessing
Goal #3: 6’…Goal Jordan Van Maanen, Assist Cole Rooda
Goal #4: 16’…Goal Dan Hessing, Assist Jordan Van Maanen

2nd Half:

Goal #5: 53’…Goal Jon Lensing, Assist Dan Hessing