NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Despite a strong second half surge, the Wisconsin women's soccer team suffered its first loss of the season to Notre Dame at Memorial Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

"I knew that we were going to have some inexperience heading in and I think the one that showed in the second half was some of that inexperience got a little better, and that's very important," head coach Paula Wilkins said. "We didn't get the result we wanted today and walking away from the field today, I felt we could've gotten that result even with some of our inexperience. We just have to get back. We can't dwell on this game and we have to get better and get ready for Milwaukee.

"The biggest thing is getting some experience from different things and different players in different areas. That's the most important thing to me right now is gaining that experience and focusing on the process."

The Irish (2-0-0) pulled ahead in the first half off of an own goal by Wisconsin in the 24th minute of the game and that proved to be the difference in the match.

Wisconsin (1-1-0) was the clear winner in the shot category, outshooting ND 12-7 in the game. But the seven shots in the second half alone showed a more fired up and aggressive Badger offense.

"I just challenged them at the half. I didn't think we were doing the job of winning the 50/50 balls and making the effort," Wilkins said. "I said it was a decision they had to make, if they wanted to be better than that. I thought that Notre Dame was a step faster than we were, so they had to make that decision to win that battle first.

"I do think that was the decision they made and the effort really changed. I thought we started to put Notre Dame under pressure earlier but I think it was all about effort and knowing the types of key possessions as well."

Caitlyn Clem started at goalkeeper and made three saves, with two coming in the second half. She allowed one goal against her. Notre Dame's goalkeeper, Kaela Little, managed seven saves.

Wisconsin took back the momentum and walked away with the corner kick advantage outdueling ND 4-3 with all four corners coming in the second half for UW.

Rose Lavelle, Alexis Tye and Grace Bahr shared team-high honors for shots with three apiece. Both Tye and Lavelle fired off two shots on goal each.

The Badgers return to McClimon Complex on Thursday, Aug. 25, for their home opener against Milwaukee at 7 p.m.