The Sierra College women's soccer team is in the second round of the Big 8 Conference Tournament following a first round 4-0 win over Modesto on Friday. 

Sophomore Rachel Gensch scored a hat trick in the contest with goals in the 27th, 57th and 60th minute. Gensch has 20 goals on the season, seventh-most in the state and the most in the Big 8.

"I scored three header goals off of an amazing free kick cross from Valerie (Gomez) as well as Jessica (Cartagena) played two amazing corners back post where I was able to find the ball and get my head on it into the back of the net," Gensch said. "It is vital for our team to play together as a unit and we have only gotten better as the season has gone by communicating, playing to each other's strengths and knowing our weaknesses so we can be the most successful."

Rebecca Myers also scored for Sierra in the first round win on Friday while Cartagena and Angelina Kazinec scored in a 2-2 draw against Delta on Oct. 27. Cartagena leads all Wolverines in assists with 10 while Hannah Finley has eight. 

The Wolverines will travel to Cosumnes River College today for the second round, a team they drew 0-0 against on Oct. 13. The winner of the match will advance to the third round on Friday to face the winner of Santa Rosa and Delta.

"The mindset going into our game today against CRC is very calm but serious," Gensch said. "We know this is a huge game in order to move on to the finals. We also feel very excited to be in this position as we have worked so hard all season long. Everyone needs to be on their A game and come out with intensity and grit."