DES MOINES — If there was a time of year where the Webster City girls’ soccer team needed to be at their best, it would have to take place during the regional tournament.

Thanks to a tough schedule and constant improvement, the Lynx performed admirably in the Class 2A-Region 6 Quarterfinals.

Going up against Des Moines Hoover last Friday evening on the campus of Hoover High School, junior Jillian Symens’ hat trick was enough to bounce the Huskies with a 3-1 victory. Tied at 1-1 at the 55th minute, Symens scored the go-ahead goal and struck an insurance goal with seven minutes left in the match.

With the victory, the Lynx (5-11) advanced into the regional semifinals, where they will meet No. 11-ranked (Class 2A) North Polk at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Comet Field in Alleman. The Huskies bowed out of the postseason with a 5-10 overall record.

“It was a tight match, all throughout,” said Chad Vogelbacher, WCHS girls’ soccer coach. “It was (Symens’) best game of the season, and our defense played well all night. It was the first playoff win for any of our current team members.”

The Lynx not only snapped a two-match skid heading into regionals, it was their first playoff victory since 2016.

Junior goalkeeper Joleah Stuhr had a solid performance in front of the net, picking up five saves and made “numerous plays in the box,” according to Vogelbacher. The defense held its own, as well, allowing just six shots on goal.

Along with Symens’ triple-goal performance, sophomore Sydney Oswald and senior Abby Gallentine were each credited with one assist.