Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University women's soccer team played to a scoreless draw against the Cedarville Yellow Jackets in Marquette, Michigan, on Saturday. The match marked the end of non-conference play for both teams.

Goalkeeper Jillian Thompson recorded her second shutout of the season for the Wildcats, matching her season-high with five saves. "The 'Cats had their opportunities to score, including a pair of quality chances in a dominant first half; Madison Bilbia got unlucky and hit the post just four minutes in, and Yellow Jacket Anna Taylor made a brilliant save on a Hannah Kastamo screamer that was labeled for the upper ninety," according to the team's statement.

Cedarville also secured its second shutout of 2025. The Yellow Jackets have previously defeated Ferris State 1-0, lost 2-3 to No. 5 Grand Valley after leading at halftime, and beat Michigan Tech 4-1.

Several Wildcats played all ninety minutes: Thompson, Hannah Kastamo, Kenna Alexander, Addison Wargo, Irene Kiilunen, and Ava Buhlman. Gretchen Ellis (82 minutes), Madison Bilbia (79), and Alyse Daavettila (77) also contributed significant playing time. Bilbia led all players with four shots while Kastamo had three shots and two on goal.

Northern Michigan finished with ten shots compared to Cedarville's seven and held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. In the first half, NMU outshot Cedarville 9-3 and had five corners to none. Possession favored NMU at 61%, with most of that time spent in Cedarville's half.

The game began with an early opportunity for NMU when Bilbia struck the post following a cross from Nissen. Later in the half, Kastamo forced a difficult save from Taylor with a shot aimed at the top corner. Cedarville's best chance came from a free kick near halftime but resulted in no goal.

In the second half, Thompson made key saves in the final minutes to preserve the tie. "Thompson then had to make a brilliant save from the run of play with just under ten minutes remaining before clearing a dangerous cross into the box," as described by team officials.

The Wildcats will begin conference play next weekend with matches against Roosevelt and Parkside.