Titans Suffer Overtime Loss To Spartans

Nicole Wolfe scored a pair of goals, including the match winner with 3:43 left in the second overtime period, as the Aurora University women's soccer team defeated UW-Oshkosh, 3-2, on Sunday (Sept. 1) in Aurora, Ill.

Wolfe ended the contest with her kick from 20 yards out. Her scoring strike found its way into the net after traveling through several defenders and past UW-Oshkosh goalkeeper Nina Muzi.

UW-Oshkosh (0-2) went in front of Aurora University (2-0) early as Robyn Elliott scored her first collegiate goal just 3:50 into the game.

Aurora University, which earned a NCAA Division III postseason berth after winning the Northern Athletics Conference title a year ago, then tied the score as Nicci Bermudes tallied a goal off an assist from Brittany Roydhouse in the contest's 13th minute (12:57).

Wolfe gave Aurora University a 2-1 lead when she scored in the the 55th minute (54:42) of action. The Spartans' lead lasted until UW-Oshkosh's Amanda Baalke scored off an assist from Anna Beckerleg in the game's 65th minute (64:39).

Aurora University totaled 25 shots, including 15 in the second half and four during the two overtime periods. Bermudes and Wolfe led the Spartans with nine shots each.

UW-Oshkosh launched seven of its 11 shots in the first half. The Titans were held to just one scoring attempt during the two extra sessions. Madeline Dallman and Ashley Markowiak paced UW-Oshkosh with two shots each.

Katie Berkopec recorded a save while guarding the UW-Oshkosh goal in the first half. Muzi protected the net for the final 61:17 of play and saved five shots. Aurora University goalkeeper Maddy Crawford saved four shots to earn the complete-game victory.

UW-Oshkosh's first home match at J. J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium is scheduled for Saturday (Sept. 7) against Nebraska Wesleyan University.