Goal in 66th minute
MARQUETTE, Mich – Despite turning in a hard-fought game, the Wildcats fell to No. 1 Grand Valley State 1-0 at home on Friday.
After a scoreless first half, the Lakers broke the tie after Ella Kleiver found the back of the net 20 minutes into the second frame, giving GVSU the lead before a lengthy weather delay was called with just under 15 minutes to go in the match. The ‘Cats registered seven unanswered shots in the final minutes after the lightning, but could not find an equalizer.
The ‘Cats outshot the Lakers 21-14 overall, including seven on the frame to six. NMU also led 7-6 in corners, while committing four fewer fouls.
The Wildcats now fall to 2-2-1 overall and 0-1-0 in GLIAC play in the early season. The ‘Cats will now look to bounce back with a win at home this Sunday against GLIAC foe Davenport.
Cat Nips
- Sally Patton starts between the pipes for the third game this season, making a career-high five saves
- Madison Bilbia and Justinia L’Esperance led the Wildcats in shots with four each
- Playing all 90 minutes along with Patton is Brooke Pietila, Hannah Kastamo, Maria Storm, and Kenna Alexander
- The last time the Wildcats were held scoreless was 18 games ago, a 0-0 draw at Marquette to Grand Valley on 9/29/23
- How It Happened
- Sally Patton delivered an impressive save at the 29-minute mark, leaping to tip the ball away from the high right corner. Patton saved four out of the seven attempted shots from the Lakers in the first half of play leaving the game scoreless.
Grand Valley struck first 24 minutes into the second half, scoring off the foot of Ella Kleiver. Coming down the right side, Taylor Reid gained control of the ball and sent it to Kleiver who got just under Patton into the back of the net.
Despite the Wildcats recording eight shots from inside the box through the full 90 minutes, and seven unanswered in the final stretch, the Green and Gold were unable to find an equalizer.
Up Next
The Cats’ take the field again Sunday at 1 PM against the Davenport Panthers to finish out the weekend.
