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| Cara Walls – courtesy UW Athletics |
Madison, Wis. – Friday’s opener came down to the final minutes of the game, no such thing happened Sunday afternoon as Wisconsin routed the visiting South Dakota State Jackrabbits 5-0 in front of 444 fans in attendance at the McClimon Soccer Complex.
With the victory the Badgers moved to 2-0 to start the season, something they haven’t done since going 3-0-1 to start the 2005 season.
It was Wisconsin’s game from the start of things as they unleashed a bevy of offense on the Jackrabbits. After recording 12 shots in the first half, the Badgers recorded 23 total shots on the day. 10 of them landed on frame and 5 of those 10 landed in the back of the net for a heck of an efficient effort from Wisconsin.
As dominate as the Badgers offense was the defense was also up to the task, shutting out their 2nd straight opponent. Lauren Gunderson got the start in net for Wisconsin for the 2nd straight game and played the first 63 minutes, having to make just 1 save on just 1 shot on goal for the entire game. Her replacement, Olivia Huff, didn’t have to make a single stop in her 27 minutes of action.
Wisconsin’s 5 goals came from 5 different ladies, all of which recorded their first goals of the season in the win. The Badgers opened up their account in the 22nd minute as Kinley McNicoll slotted home the eventual game winner. Lindsey Johnson recorded the assist on the goal, which was the Badgers and her’s first assist of the season.
Just 15 minutes later Wisconsin doubled the lead from a Kodee Williams goal that was assisted by Joana Bielefeld (1) and Lexi Peterson (1). The half ended with the Badgers up 2-0 and things only got worse for the Jackrabbits from there.
Wisconsin pelted Jackrabbits goaltender Elisa Stanatakis with 12 total shots and 4 shots on goal in just the 1st half. Stanatakis could only stop 50% of those in giving up the early lead.
The Badgers added to their lead in the 56th minute from a Paige Adams header to make it 3-0. Sophomore Cara Walls’ 1st of the season (she led the Badgers with 9 goals last year) was also a header and made it 4-0 in the 64th minute. The scoring was finished off just 2 minute later as Erin Jacobsen redirected a rebound inside the six yard box.
McNicoll was the player of the game for Wisconsin as she became the first Badger of the season to record multiple points in a game with her goal and assist on Adams’ goal.
Wisconsin will be looking to finish it’s season opening home stand undefeated as they host the Ramblers of Loyola-Chicago on Aug. 26th. Game time is set for 1pm Central.
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