In their final regular season game, the Badgers (9-2-2 Big Ten, 15-2-2 overall) battled to a scoreless, double-overtime tie with Illinois (5-6-2, 10-7-2), despite managing to put up a season high 26 shots, with ten of those on goal.
Redshirt senior goalkeeper Genevieve Richard and the rest of the Badgers defense played another stellar game, as the Illini were held to 11 shots with only three of them on goal. The shutout was Richard’s 12th of the season, a number that places her tied for third in the Wisconsin record books. The Badger defense had to contend with the Big Ten’s leading goal scorer, Jannelle Flaws. Wisconsin limited the explosive Flaws to just one shot on goal.
The team’s stout defensive has been a theme all season long and a huge part of Wisconsin’s success. The defense, led by Richard and redshirt senior Alexandra Heller, has allowed only seven goals all season. Head coach Paula Wilkins was again pleased with the defensive effort of her squad.
“They always say that defense wins championships,” Wilkins said. “I think that’s true for this group. I thought we did a good job, and were much better in the second half and overtime.”
Windy conditions helped to frustrate the Wisconsin offensive attack and may have contributed to the Badger’s inability to find twine. However, the offense created plenty of chances, led by junior midfielder Kinley McNicoll, who put up a season-high eight shots. Senior forward Cara Walls and redshirt senior forward Kodee Williams each added six shots.
“It’s one of those games where we created enough chances, but I don’t know if we were desperate enough or focused enough in the right moments to be able to get the result,” Wilkins said.
With the tie, the Badgers locked up second place in the Big Ten, the school’s highest finish in the conference since 2000 and the best under Coach Wilkins. Although the tie snapped the Badgers four game win streak, the unbeaten streak was extended to six, which is currently the longest in the conference.
The focus will now turn to the Big Ten Tournament, where the Badgers, who earned the second seed, will have a shot to avenge this tie as they will take on seventh seeded Illinois yet again. While Wilkins was satisfied with the defensive play, she emphasized the need to improve on the offensive side for the postseason.
“Now we need to put more of a consistent effort forward in the attacking,” Wilkins said. “Getting ready for the Big Ten tournament, that’s something we’ll focus on.”
The tournament will be played in West Lafayette on Purdue’s campus, beginning Wednesday. The Badgers’ contest against Illinois kicks off at 3:30 p.m.
UWbadgers.com contributed to this report.
