Box Score PRESS CONFERENCE
Chicago, Ill., Nov. 17, 2017 – The No. 5-ranked Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team had its season come to an end with a 2-1 loss to No. 15 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Friday in the 2017 NCAA Division III Sectional Semifinal held at Stagg Field in Chicago.
UW-La Crosse improved to 20-1-3 with the win, while WashU ended its season with a 17-2-1 mark. UWL takes on No. 4 Chicago Saturday in the Sectional Championship at 1 p.m.
"I want to tip our caps to Wisconsin-La Crosse for getting a good result today," said WashU head coach Jim Conlon. "I want to thank our women for what they have done this year. 33 strong all year. I can't speak enough to on and off the field the impact this group has made led by the Tengerines."
WashU had possession most of the first half, and held a 5-4 shot advantage after the opening 45 minutes of play. The Bears nearly scored in the opening three minutes of play after senior Alison Cerny was left open in the box but her shot just slipped wide left of the post.
Junior Jessica Ridderhoff came off the bench in the 12th minute and made an immediate impact. Ridderhoff fired a shot in the 24th minute that UWL goalkeeper Lily Brock made a save.
UWL scored in the 50th and 80th minute to jump out in front to a commanding 2-0 lead, but WashU did not quit.
Sophomore Hannah Menard launched a shot from 30 yards out just 53 seconds after UWL's second tally to cut the lead in half. The goal for Menard was the second of the season.
The loss marked the final game for the 10 WashU seniors – Mariana Alisio, Elise Brown, Cerny, Kat Kerska, Mia Mastroianni, Rachel Mickelson, Gillian Myers, Megan Renken, Kelly Von Zup and Megan Wolf. The Class of 2017 recorded a 69-11-7 record with three University Athletic Association (UAA) titles, two Final Fours and the 2016 NCAA Division III National Championship.
"This program means the world to me because of the people. A loss is terrible way to go out. We faced a great opponent and did not go our way today," said Von Zup. "At the end of the day I am so proud to a member of this team. What I am going to take away is all the memories and relationships I have been fortunate to make."
WashU outshot UWL 13-9 for the game and had a 7-4 advantage in corner kicks.
Freshman goalkeeper Emma Greenfield (13-2) took the loss making one save. Greenfield's lone save came in the 59th minute on a breakaway by Alex Cording.
BEAR NOTEBOOK: UWL leads the all-time series 2-1, and the teams met for the first time since 2005 … The Bears are 35-14-8 all-time in 17 NCAA appearances … UWL advanced to the Quarterfinals for the first time in school history … The two goals allowed by WashU tied a season high.
