Still dancing: UW advances to second round

Friday, November 11

7 p.m.

Wisconsin Badgers

9-4-8

Marquette University

12-8-2

Team	1	2	Final F
Marquette	0	0	0
Wisconsin	1	0	1

Still dancing: UW advances to second round

November 11, 2016 | Women's Soccer

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Badgers blank in-state rival Marquette 1-0 in NCAA tournament match

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin women's soccer team will keep their dancing shoes on for another round as they defeated Marquette 1-0 under the Friday night lights at the McClimon Complex during the first round of NCAA tournament action.

"Huge credit to Marquette," head coach Paula Wilkins said. "We've been watching them all season and the reason we play them in the preseason is so they can show us how we can improve. You can tell from the first time we played them in August that they've gotten so much better."

"Their attacking presence really stretched us. I'm just happy with how we performed today and the result we got. We get to move forward in the NCAA tournament which is all its about. We did enough to win today."

Rose Lavelle proved why she's one of the best to ever wear a Wisconsin (9-4-8) women's soccer uniform. The senior rocketed a shot in the 30th minute to put the Badgers ahead of Marquette (12-8-2).

Lavelle marched down the field by herself and put the ball up high on the far post from about 20-yards out, beating Marquette's keeper, Maddy Henry, to put the Badgers up 1-0.

"There was a turnover in the midfield and I usually slot it out wide," Lavelle said. But I decided to cut in the middle and go for it."

The game-winning goal was Lavelle's second gamewinner and sixth goal of the season. It was also the 22nd goal of her career.

"Big players do big things at big times. The last few games Rose has been that big player," Wilkins added. "She has just gotten better and better each game. Over the last 10 games she has been probably our best player covering and now she's putting the ball in the back of the net. It's a great time for her to be peaking and I'm happy as a coach. I'm looking forward to seeing it from her the next couple games."

Wisconsin never looked back, inhibiting MU from getting any good looks on goal, but it wasn't easy as the heat was turned on by both teams in the second half.

The second frame saw both teams attacking aggressively with a total of 13 fouls being called, including two yellow cards.

However, the Badgers' defensive front did their job, and prevented Marquette from finding the back of the net, giving the Badgers the win, and most importantly, an extension on their season.

Lavelle led the Wisconsin offensive attack, tallying four shots while junior forward Sydney McGinnis pitched in three.

The Cardinal and White swept the statistical board, leading in shots 11-6 and shots on goal 5-3 over Marquette.

Additionally, UW once again proved that they are the masters of the corner kicks, holding a 12-2 advantage over the Golden Eagles.

Junior goalkeeper Caitlyn Clem notched her ninth shutout of the season, collecting three saves to hold Marquette scoreless while MU's Henry recorded four.

Friday's victory proved to be extra sweet for the seniors who were able to come away with a win on their home field for one more time.

"I'm so happy I get to keep playing with the seniors," McGinnis said. "It's so great that I get to play in the NCAA tournament again after my freshman year. It's just really special that we get to keep playing – I love this group."

Wisconsin improved to 15-17-2 in NCAA tournament games. The Badgers broke a longtime tie with Marquette, who were receiving votes in the latest coaches poll, and now lead the Golden Eagles 2-1-1 in NCAA tournament matchups.

The Badgers will travel down south to make the program's 10th NCAA second-around appearance. Wisconsin will face top-seeded Florida on its home turf in Gainesville, Florida on Friday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. CT)

"Confidence comes from preparation," said Wilkins. "The Big Ten and this game has prepared us for Florida and so we have to take all the experience we have and put it all on the field against Florida."

NCAA Soccer Second and Third Round play will be at the Donald R. Dizney Stadium next weekend. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children (12 and under), students and senior citizens.

Ticket sales begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday at the Gator Ticket Office, located at gate 1 of the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. For more information, contact the UAA Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683, ext. 6800 or 1-800-34GATOR, ext. 6800 (state of Florida only).