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Posted: Sep 17, 2016

Early Goals Propel Huskies Past Northern Michigan

Early Goals Propel Huskies Past Northern Michigan
Box Score

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Two first half goals by the Michigan Tech soccer team led to a 2-1 non-conference victory at rival Northern Michigan University Saturday afternoon. The Huskies have now won four straight matches heading into conference play next weekend.

"We did a great job possessing the ball in the first half and had a pair of beautiful goals," Michigan Tech Head Coach Michelle Jacob said. "In the first half we played controlled and calm which created the opportunities for our goals. Our offense put a lot of pressure on their defense and we had a lot of shots and chances to score. We struggled a little bit in the second half and they were playing quite a few long balls and attacking with a lot of numbers. They ended up getting the one goal on us, but overall I'm proud of the way the defense played and that they were strong in keeping NMU out away from the net."

Michigan Tech (4-1) went on the attack early and often in the first half, unloading six shots within a five-minute span during the first nine minutes of play. Five of the six shots had to be saved and another went just wide of the net. Senior forward Jaci Mielke and senior forward Kathryn Fife each had a pair of shots on goal followed by a shot on goal off the foot of sophomore forward Andrea Zubke.

The Huskies relentless attack eventually paid off with a goal in the 24th minute courtesy of senior midfielder Jessica Splittgerber. Mielke pushed the ball up the field a sent a perfect crossing pass from the right into the box where Splittgerber was waiting to take the shot. It was Splittgerber's first goal of the season and it was Mielke's first assist of the 2016 season.

Just over five minutes later, Splittgerber and Mielke teamed up to deliver the Huskies a 2-0 edge. Mielke was credited with her second assist of the game when she sent another crossing pass from the top of the box on the left side to Splittgerber who lofted the ball into the back of the net from about 22 yards out. It was her second goal of the season and the second on the afternoon.

Northern Michigan (1-5) made things interesting late with their only goal of the match with four minutes to play. Casey Durand drove a shot past the defense into the net, cutting the Tech edge to 2-1. The Wildcats got two more looks at the net in the final minutes, but neither shot was on target. Allyssa Milam had a blast turned away by junior goalkeeper Kirsen Hudak and Hollie Koning's attempt went wide with 13 seconds to play.

Mielke led the Tech offense in total shots with seven shots and notched two assists. Fife had five shots while Splittgerber recorded the two goals on three total attempts. Hudak played all 90 minutes in net and made four saves to pick up her fourth win of the season. As a team, the Huskies out-shot Northern Michigan 27-12 and had a 5-3 edge in corner kicks.

Madison Hamilla, Carmen Villarruel, and Milam each had two shots to pace the Wildcat offense with Durand getting their lone goal. Alexandra Simmons and Glanzt split time in goal and combined to make 15 saves. Glantz had 10 saves, but allowed the two goals in the first half.

Michigan Tech will open the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schedule on Friday when the team hosts Ferris St. at Sherman Field. The kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.