SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Yellowjacket women's soccer team took on Martin Luther in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) action Saturday. Once the 'Jackets moved into their new home of Superior Choice Credit Union Stadium, they have found the back of the net on 16 separate occasions while allowing just one goal to the opposition. Saturday, which also served as senior day for the program, saw three-of-four goals come from seniors as UWS defeated the Knights 4-0.
The win secured the Yellowjacket women's soccer team's fourth straight UMAC regular season championship in program history. Saturday's victory also secured the No. 1 seed in the UMAC postseason tournament, meaning the 'Jackets will host a semifinal match Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Match Notes
- Before the match commenced the Yellowjackets recognized the contributions of 12 senior student-athletes, and how fitting for a pair of seniors to factor into the first goal Saturday. Niya Wilson (Superior, Wis./Superior) sauced a pass to Mya Holmquist (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo) at just the sixth minute of play for an early 1-0 lead.
- The Yellowjackets kept Martin Luther's goalkeeper Maria Vik busy, rifling consistent shots and nearly crossing the goal line.
- Action continued until Sydney Buch committed a foul inside the box, calling for a Yellowjacket penalty kick. Beth Schneider (Wausau, Wis./Wausau West) took the PK and sent one to the back of the net at the 41st minute of play, giving UWS a 2-0 advantage.
- After the halftime period ended UWS kept pushing the pedal, testing Vik on numerous occasions. She held her ground until the 56th minute, as Holmquist struck again. This time she received a helper from Kamryn Hill (Duluth, Minn./Denfeld), giving the 'Jackets a three-goal cushion.
- Both teams turned to their bench as the half continued, but UWS kept applying the pressure and commenced a barrage of shots to the Knights' goalie.
- After taking five shots of her own throughout the game, Wilson finally got one to stick, as she buried her 14th goal of the campaign to shut the door at 4-0.
- UW-Superior displayed the highest offensive output of the season, firing 46 total shots at Vik.
- Yellowjacket goalkeeper Elysabeth Lough (Las Vegas, Nev./Northwest Career and Technical Academy) earned the start Saturday. Playing a full 90 minutes, she carded her fifth win of the season and first shutout as a Yellowjacket. Her record stands at 5-3.
- Holmquist ended her day with nine total shots, as Wilson followed with six of her own.
- The Yellowjacket backline was dominant once again, not allowing a single shot from the opposition.
- UWS saw 16 corner kick opportunities, compared to none from MLC.
UWS (12-6, 10-1 UMAC) will play a final non-conference opponent before hosting Crown in the final regular season match next week. Tuesday the Yellowjackets will face off against St. Olaf, set for 3:30 at Rolf Mellby Field in Northfield, Minn.
