The women's soccer team showed its depth and skill as six different ladies scored in last weekend's Hoosier Classic Tournament held in Bloomington, Ind. The Badgers improved to 4-1-0 and plan to only enhance their performance for upcoming games.
Wisconsin started the tournament Friday night against Cal Poly (2-4-0). The game began with senior Taylor Walsh heading the ball in for the first goal in the 22nd minute. Walsh's goal was assisted by junior Stephanie Krombach and freshman Laurie Nosbusch.
Nearing the end of the first half, the Mustangs had their revenge against the Badgers. Mustang junior midfielder Kaleena Andruss had a break away, went one-on-one against senior goalkeeper Jamie Klages and tied the game in the 44th minute.
I could see our players relax, and Cal Poly started to control the tempo of the match. We made a few consecutive bad decisions which resulted in Cal Poly getting back into the game,"" head coach Paula Wilkins said.
Both teams came out strong in the second half and had many opportunities on goal. Neither team could score, however, and the Badgers went into their first overtime of the season.
Finally, in the 105th minute, freshman Leigh Williams scored the game-winning goal to close a 2-1 double-overtime victory. The Badgers outshot the Mustangs 18-11 and Klages made five saves.
Wisconsin had a break before they faced the Vermont Catamounts Sunday.
""The match on Sunday is generally more difficult because of physical fatigue and little errors can be costly. This will be a challenge considering the youth of the team,"" Wilkins said.
But the Badgers showed no remorse against the Catamounts and triumphed with a 7-1 victory. Walsh had a stellar game with her first career hat trick and added an assist. Walsh has scored at least one goal in each of the past four games.
The first half was close with a 2-0 lead, but Wisconsin took complete control in the second half and scored five more unanswered goals. Other goals were added by freshman Meghan Flannery and Nosbusch and junior Krista Liskevych. Freshman Emily Perrin of Vermont received a nice through ball from teammate sophomore Caitlin McGowan in the 35th minute to give the lone goal for Vermont.
""I am disappointed we gave up two goals this weekend; they were both at the end of the half and came after we scored. Although both times I think we reacted and responded well to the goals,"" Wilkins said. Wisconsin had a 29-4 advantage in shots taken over, with Klages stopping three of the four shots on goal.
The Badgers won the tournament and Cal Poly placed second.
""I am really excited and pleased to have won the tournament. This is a great step for our program,"" Wilkins said.
Walsh was named Offensive MVP, while teammate sophomore Taryn Francel was honored as the Defensive MVP. Four Badgers were also named to the All-tournament team: Walsh, Williams, Francel and Nosbusch.
Wisconsin will continue to play on the road this weekend, traveling to Boston, Mass. There they will be competing against Boston University and Harvard on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
- uwbadgers.com
contributed to this report.
