Maryville University Athletics

ALLENDALE, Mich. – Lotte Brands' goal at 55:32 gave the Saints their first NCAA Tournament victory in the opening round over Northern Michigan University 1-0. Maryville women's soccer continues an impressive postseason run by shutting out the Wildcats to move into the second round of the tournament against host Grand Valley State University at noon (CT) Sunday, Nov. 13.
 
The Saints picked up their 12th win of the year and 12th total shutout in 2022. Additionally, goalkeeper Katie Nash tied Kami Eison's program single-season shutout record with her 11th of the year.
 
The game got off to a relatively quiet start in the first half apart from a Wildcat scoring chance at 19:16. Northern Michigan forward Brenna Musser got off a shot in the box but Nash quickly snagged the shot heading for the top corner of the net.
 
After getting outshot 5-2 in the first half, the Saint offense increased the pressure on NMU. Lexi Gentry ripped a shot on goal at 54:42 to earn a corner kick. Moments later, Brooke Slater received a corner kick in the box and rolled a pass to Lotte Brands who sent a perfect shot under the crossbar for the lead.
 
Slater attempted to add to the lead on multiple occasions over the next 10 minutes, sending a shot out right at 63:25 and another shot on goal at 68:31. Amanda Kopp also had a strong scoring chance denied in the 73rd minute by Shenae Kreps, followed minutes later by an attempt from Elsa Nilson-Hurtig.
 
Looking for the equalizer, Northern Michigan made multiple attempts to move into dangerous territory in the Maryville defensive end, but could not register a shot on goal for the entirety of the second half.
 
"I'm just so proud of this group," Maryville head women's soccer coach Lori Chalupny said. "The players have created such an unbelievable culture and they battle every play for each other. We are enjoying this moment and looking forward to the opportunity to compete together again on Sunday."
 
The win is the first NCAA Tournament win in Saints' program history. Their attention now turns to No. 1 seed Grand Valley State University Sunday, Nov. 13, at noon (CT).