Box Score

The UW-Parkside women's soccer team came up with a valiant effort but in the end couldn't get past #1-ranked, Grand Valley State University. The Lakers built a 2-0 lead and then withstood a late Ranger charge before securing the 3-1 win in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The two-time defending national champions will advance to the regional final. Parkside's season ends at 13-4-2.
 
The Lakers showed early why they are ranked #1 as they controlled play during the first half. Parkside was forced to protect its end for the majority of the period and unable to get a sustained attack going.
 
Grand Valley fired six shots in the first 24 minutes before finally getting on the board. The Rangers were called for a foul just outside the 18-yard box setting up an indirect free kick for the Lakers. Alyssa Mira touched it back to All-American Ashley Botts who rifled it into the top left corner of the net to give the Lakers the lead at 24:30. It was Botts' 18th goal of the season.
 
Cassie Glodowski was solid in net the rest of the half keeping the deficit at one. She had three saves over the final 20 minutes (four in the half) including a big diving save on a shot from close range by Jenny Shaba. The Lakers outshot the Rangers 15-1 in the opening period.
 
The Rangers were able to balance things out in the second half as possession evened a bit. Each keeper was forced to make a couple of plays before the Lakers broke through to earn a two-goal lead.
 
In the 67th minute Kayla Addison was on the receiving end of a nice feed from Botts, finishing it just in front of the net, for her 13th goal of the year. The Lakers, who hadn't allowed a goal since late-September, appeared to be in control.
 
But the Rangers refused to quit causing some anxious moments for the home squad. They came right back with a shot on goal by Natalie Brown and minutes later were able to cash in for the first goal scored against Grand Valley State in over 1,000 minutes.
 
Megan Owens got free in the middle of the box and was taken down by Kayla Kimble. The foul earned a red card from the official and a penalty kick for the Rangers. Kristen Benson made good on the opportunity burying it into the top right corner of the net for her fifth goal of the season. The red card also gave Parkside a one-player advantage for the final 20:25 of the contest.
 
The Rangers applied plenty of pressure the rest of the way but were unable to get a clean look at the net. Shannon Becker had a free kick from midfield that dangerously bounced in front of the keeper but Chelsea Parise was able to gobble it up and secure the lead.
 
Addison added an insurance goal in the final three minutes with the Rangers back line pressing up, providing the final tally in the match. Parkside outshot the Lakers 6-5 in the second half.
 
The loss ends the season for the Rangers and the careers of four highly decorated seniors. Shannon Becker, Kristen Benson, Natalie Brown, and Cassie Glodowski finish their tenure with two GLVC Championships, three trips to the NCAA Tournament (including at least one win each year), and a record of 58-12-9.