Great Lakes Wire

MIDLAND, Mich. - The Wildcats concluded their weekend road trip with a 1-1 draw against Northwood, despite maintaining an aggressive stance throughout the match.

From the start, the Wildcats exhibited tenacity in a relentless back-and-forth contest, outshooting Northwood 24-2 with eight shots on target compared to Northwood's two. This included six shots from inside the penalty area for the Wildcats, while Northwood had none.

Northwood took an early lead with a goal half an hour into the game. However, the Wildcats persisted and finally equalized in the 84th minute with a goal from Justina L'Esperance, ensuring a hard-fought tie.

The Wildcats now hold a record of 2-1-1 and are preparing for their first home matches of the season next weekend against Grand Valley State and Davenport.

After missing all of last season due to injury, Justina L'Esperance has been performing strongly for the Wildcats, scoring her third goal and seventh point in her first three games. Sally Patton started as goalkeeper again, making one save from two shots on target. Alongside Patton, Brooke Pietila, Hannah Kastamo, Maria Storm, and Kenna Alexander played the full 90 minutes. Pietila led the team with five shot attempts while both Storm and L'Esperance recorded two shots on target each.

In terms of chances generated, the Wildcats dominated by outshooting Northwood 24-2.

The 'Cats were unable to break through until late in the game when offensive pressure led to a shot on target from Pistorius. The rebound was handled by L'Esperance who scored to tie the game at a crucial moment.

Next up for the Wildcats is home-field advantage as they face Grand Valley State next weekend followed by Davenport.