The No. 16 ranked Wisconsin Badgers (3-1-1) took on the Loyola Ramblers (1-3-1) this Thursday in Chicago. Despite a strong lead in possession and offensive opportunities, the Badgers headed into overtime for their fourth consecutive game, yet this time 110 minutes of play was not enough to decide the victor and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Badgers were in good form and commanded the pace of the game throughout. Topping the Ramblers 20-8 in shots (8-3 on goal), the Badgers certainly were not short on opportunities to score.
Junior forward Lauren Rice and senior forward Dani Rhodes combined for 10 shots, 5 of which were on goal, but Loyola keeper Grace Droessler had an incredible performance in the net, finishing the game with seven saves.
In the 22nd minute of the contest Ramblers forward Savanah Cruz was taken down in the box, and after an unfortunate bounce for the Badgers Rambler forward Aleksa Tataryn scored. Her left footed shot slotted just past the outstretched arms of a diving Badger keeper Jordyn Bloomer, putting Loyola up 1-0.
But, the Badgers rallied and answered quickly, with a goal off a free kick. Redshirt junior Claire Shea snuck a pass between Loyola defenders in the wall, and found junior forward Cammie Murtha who equalized the game with a shot that flew past Droessler.
After the second half and overtime didn’t produce a goal, the teams settled for a 1-1 tie.
The Badgers now head into a home game against in state rivals Green Bay at home this Sunday. They will certainly be looking for a decisive performance after a four-game string of overtime nail-biters the team has weathered.
The Badgers will then face the undefeated No. 2 UCLA Bruins on the road next weekend before kicking off in conference Big Ten play against Maryland.
