Aug. 17, 2012
Final Stats
Wisconsin 1, Notre Dame 0
McClimon Complex • Madison, Wis. | |
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| 1st | 2nd | Final | Notre Dame
| 0 | 0 | 0 | | Wisconsin | 0 | 1 | 1 | | | | | | | | | Stats at a Glance | ND | WIS | | Shots | 12 | 8 | | Shots on Goal | 7 | 2 | | Saves | 1 | 7 | | Corner Kicks | 5 | 2 | | Yellow Cards | -- | -- | | Red Cards | -- | -- | | |
• Final Stats | Final Stats 
| Postgame: M. Lam-Feist 
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Photo Gallery 
MADISON, Wis.-- The University of Wisconsin women's soccer team opened the 2012 season with a 1-0 win over BIG EAST perennial-power Notre Dame at the McClimon Soccer Complex on Friday.
The Badgers recorded their first season-opening victory since 2006. UW defeated the Fighting Irish for the first time since 1989, ending a 14-game drought that included 13 losses for Wisconsin.
"To be in front of a home crowd of over 1,000 people and to have their energy and their support is a huge confidence boost," head coach Paula Wilkins said. "Obviously Notre Dame is considered one of the best programs in the country and I have great respect for what they do and I know it's a long season and I know they'll keep getting better for sure.
"This is a great starting point for us and hopefully we can improve each game from here on out."
| Fast Facts | | • Wisconsin earns its first win over the Fighting Irish since 1989. | | • The Badgers end a five-year drought, winning their first season opener since 2006. | | • GK Lauren Gunderson records seven saves in first match of 2012. | |
Notre Dame and UW played to a scoreless tie in the first half and well into the second before senior midfielder Monica Lam-Feist was able to capitalize on a counter-attack during the 84th minute.
After stepping in the way of a Notre Dame pass, Lam-Feist put the Badgers in front with a shot from just outside the box. She was able to beat Notre Dame goalkeeper Elyse Hight with the shot as it snuck past her outstretched arms, bouncing off the far post and in.
"We had been talking about how we wanted to defend and I thought she did a really good job of picking off the pass in the midfield, counter-attacking and just getting through," Wilkins said. "That's what the game's about, those moments in the game and she took her moment."
Despite being outshot 12-8, the Badgers got a great effort from senior goalie Lauren Gunderson. The Middleton native recorded seven saves and secured the net on all five of Notre Dame's corner kick opportunities.
"I thought her positioning was great," Wilkins said. "The biggest thing I always remind Lauren is to go for it during her senior year and it's a great start for her. I thought she did a great job organizing the back and doing all of the small things for us tonight."
The Badgers continue their three-game home stand Sunday as they welcome the South Dakota State Jackrabbits to the McClimon Soccer Complex. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. CT.
