Harper handles Triton in playoff opener

The goal for every soccer team in the postseason is to survive and advance.

The Harper College women's team accomplished that Tuesday afternoon by topping visiting Triton 7-2 in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region IV, Division III tournament.

"I think it's good we finished on top," said Harper forward Danielle Reptowski (Schamburg), who scored a pair of goals.

Despite the one-sided outcome, Reptowski was not satisfied with the Hawks' play, saying, "It could have been a much better game."

Sophmore Kristen Serviss helped Harper take an early 1-0 lead when her corner kick found the back of the Trojans' goal. Serviss later added a pair of assists.

Harper's third goal came when Kassidy Kushner (Barrington) finished a corner kick with header. Kushner ended up with a pair of goals, and Taecely Correa scored her first career goal when Reptowski found her for the game's final tally.

"They are having a huge impact," said coach Dwayne Cruz said of Kushner and Reptowski's play. "Having Kush and D up top is such a threat."

Sonia Valencia (Wheeling) turned away 4 shots in net for the Hawks.

The victory puts Harper (9-7) in a Region IV semifinal against host Rock Valley College at noon Saturday.

Reptowski hopes the Hawks are focused.

"We have to have our heads in the game," she said.