MADISON, Wis. – Rose Lavelle ensured there would be smiles at the end of Senior Day.

With just over seven minutes left, Lavelle scored the game-winning goal to lift the Wisconsin women's soccer team past Michigan State in a 1-0 win at the McClimon Complex on Sunday afternoon.

The team's top two point scorers connected to produce the late game-winner with senior McKenna Meuer supplying the assist and helping to ensure the five other senior Badgers had something to celebrate on Senior Day.

"This senior group is really special," Lavelle said. "I think we've all grown really close to them, so we wanted to send them off in the best way possible."

Not only was it a memorable win for the seniors, but the victory also helped the Badgers (10-4-3, 7-1-1 Big Ten) move into sole possession of first place in the Big Ten Conference standings and move one win closer to clinching the program's first regular-season title since 1996.

"Michigan State does a great job. They don't give up many goals, so huge credit to them," UW head coach Paula Wilkins said. "I thought that we did a pretty good job possessing and creating some opportunities. I was pretty confident that we were going to be okay at the end.

"They make me believe, for sure."

The win continued what has been a remarkable turnaround for the Badgers, who have won seven straight games to climb all the way to the top of the conference standings.

Wisconsin asserted its presence early in the game and didn't let up on the Spartans (7-4-4, 3-3-2), outshooting MSU by an 8-1 margin in the first half. Despite UW creating multiple chances, Michigan State held firm defensively and the Badgers were unable to find the back of the net going into half.

The Badgers were able to keep up their dominance in the second, peppering MSU goalkeeper Gabrielle Gauruder with 10 more shots over the course of the frame. 

The work and consistent pressure finally paid off in the 83rd minute. After Micaela Powers delivered a deep throw-in from the right sideline, Meuer was able to flick a pass across the box to Lavelle, who headed the ball in for her sixth goal of the year. The MAC Hermann Trophy candidate leads UW in points (15) and matched Meuer for the team lead in goals.

Seniors Brianna Stelzer and Molly Laufenberg led the Wisconsin defense in another strong outing, limiting the Spartans to only five shots, including just one on goal. UW goalkeeper Caitlyn Clem and the Badgers' back line secured their seventh shutout in the last eight games.

In addition to Laufenberg, Meuer and Stelzer, fellow seniors Nikki Greenhalgh, Marisa Kresge and Kinley McNicoll were recognized as part of Senior Day festivities.

Wisconsin makes its final road trip of the season to face Maryland on Saturday in a 6 p.m. (CT) game. The Badgers then return home for their regular-season finale against Northwestern on Oct. 28 in Madison.