Great Lakes Wire

Despite a determined effort, the Wildcats were defeated 1-0 by No. 1 Grand Valley State at home on Friday.

After a scoreless first half, the Lakers took the lead when Ella Kleiver scored 20 minutes into the second half. A weather delay followed with just under 15 minutes remaining in the match. The Wildcats registered seven unanswered shots after play resumed but could not equalize.

The Wildcats outshot the Lakers 21-14 overall, including seven shots on target compared to six for GVSU. NMU also led in corner kicks with a count of 7-6 and committed four fewer fouls.

The loss drops the Wildcats to an overall record of 2-2-1 and 0-1-0 in GLIAC play this season. They will seek to rebound with a win at home against Davenport on Sunday.

Sally Patton started as goalkeeper for her third game this season, making a career-high five saves. Madison Bilbia and Justinia L'Esperance led NMU in shots with four each. Brooke Pietila, Hannah Kastamo, Maria Storm, and Kenna Alexander played all 90 minutes alongside Patton.

The last time NMU was held scoreless was during a match against Grand Valley State on September 29, 2023, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

In Friday's game, Sally Patton made an impressive save at the 29-minute mark by tipping away a high shot from the right corner. She saved four out of seven attempted shots from GVSU in the first half, keeping the game scoreless until halftime.

Grand Valley State scored first when Taylor Reid sent a pass to Ella Kleiver who managed to get past Patton into the net midway through the second half. Despite recording eight shots from inside the box throughout the match and seven unanswered attempts late in the game, NMU could not find an equalizer.

The Wildcats will face Davenport Panthers at home on Sunday at 1 PM to conclude their weekend matches.

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