Wisconsin Women’s Soccer Advances to Sweet 16 After Shootout Victory Over Virginia
IRVINE, Calif. – In an exhilarating matchup, the No. 5-seeded Wisconsin women’s soccer team bested No. 4 Virginia, securing a 4-2 victory in penalty kicks during the NCAA Tournament’s second round. This triumph marks the Badgers’ 19th appearance at this level and propels them into the Sweet 16 for the fifth time in program history.
The match showcased a fierce competition: the first half was characterized by hostility in midfield, with Wisconsin quickly applying pressure through free kicks and corner kicks. Led by Ella Ottey and Ashley Martinez, the Badgers outshot Virginia 4-2, although the scoreboard remained untouched at halftime.
As the second half unfolded, Virginia intensified their offensive efforts but were thwarted by an offsides call. Wisconsin’s defense, fortified by a crucial save from goalkeeper Drew Stover in the 58th minute, kept the game scoreless. The second half saw Virginia begin to find their footing, matching Wisconsin’s shot total, yet the Badgers held firm under pressure, with Virginia holding a notable 6-2 advantage in corner kicks. Eventually, neither team could break the deadlock, pushing the match into overtime.
The overtime period reflected the parity between the teams, with Wisconsin narrowly leading in shots, 5-4. After a tense 20 minutes, the match culminated in a shootout, where the Badgers emerged victorious, thanks to successful penalty kicks from Hailey Baumann, Erin Connolly, Aryssa Mahrt, and Ella Ottey, combined with a key save by Stover.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin will face either the No. 1 seed USC or Saint Louis on Sunday, Nov. 24, in Great Park, Irvine, California.
Source
Photo credit uwbadgers.com
