ST. PAUL, Minn. – Coming off a heartbreaking loss on the road Saturday, things did not get much easier for the University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team. Next up on the schedule was defending UMAC champion University of Wisconsin-Superior, who came in with a 2-0 conference record in 2024. Not only was the competition stiff, but Northwestern was also without star players
Haley Mersberger (Kiel, Wis./Elkhart Lake Glenbeulah) and
Megan Kohrt (Monona, Wis./Homeschool) on Tuesday night. Although the Eagles did successfully defend their home turf against the Yellowjackets in 2023, they were unable to do so in the 2024 edition. UW-Superior used a pair of first-half goals to take a 2-0 victory back up north.
The Yellowjackets controlled much of the possession early, and struck first with a 19
th-minute goal. Northwestern immediately tried punching back with a pair of shots on goal, but both were saved. UWS had two point-blank shot attempts within a few seconds of each other, but
Lauren Bosley (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) was able to stifle both attempts while assisting
Samantha Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy) on the right post. Superior eventually found the back of the net in the 26
th minute to take a 2-0 lead. The Yellowjackets got a couple more good looks off before the half, but Hansen turned them away.
UW-Superior continued peppering Hansen with shots on goal as the second half commenced, but the sophomore was able to stand firm time and time again. She finished the match with 10 saves in the 2-0 loss.
Megan Moeller (Sheboygan, Wis./Sheboygan Christian School) and
Briella Babcock (Byron, Minn./Byron) led UNW with two shots apiece, while Moeller,
Meghan Corbett (Sartell, Minn./St. Cloud Cathedral) and
Naomi Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool) provided Northwestern's three shots on goal.
The Eagles will again be at home Saturday when they take on North Central at 2:00 PM. If you can't make it to Reynolds Field, tune into the Eagle Sports Network, an affiliate of the UMAC Sports Network.
