SUPERIOR, Wis. - The University of Northwestern Women's Soccer team's quest to reach the NCAA Division III Playoffs for the third time in program history came to an end Saturday in the UMAC Championship game. A pair of early goals allowed the University of Wisconsin-Superior to lock down on defense and keep the Eagles out of the net, resulting in a 2-0 win and its sixth-consecutive UMAC Tournament title. UNW held the shots advantage, 19-17, but was unable to convert any into goals.
Marie Kendall (Dakar, Senegal/Dakar Academy) put a couple of shots on net in the game's opening minutes, and
Sam Hansen (Cottage Grove, Minn./New Life Academy) made three saves before UWS was able to get one by the senior keeper in the 18th minute. Kendall added two more shots on goal in the next 11 minutes, but the Yellowjackets were able to strike again in the 30th minute to extend the lead to 2-0. The Eagles put four shots on goal compared to just one for Superior in the final 15 minutes of the first half, but were unable to convert.
Hansen was terrific in the second half, making four saves to finish her day with 10, but a focused defensive effort from UWS held Northwestern to just two shots on goal in the second frame. The 2-0 score would hold for the final 60 minutes of action as UW-Superior punched its ticket to the national tournament.
Kendall was responsible for 12 of UNW's 19 shots, and eight of its 10 shots on goal.
Naomi Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool) and
Alix Krueger (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake Area) each added a shot on goal, with Meehan and
Ada Meehan (Waconia, Minn./Homeschool) taking three shots apiece. Hansen finished the day with 10 saves to equal Superior's keeper.
Although they will not qualify for the NCAA Tournament, the Eagles' season may not be over. They are in the mix to once again qualify for the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament, which they participated in last year as well. Northwestern will find out its NCCAA fate on November 21st.
