The Milwaukee women's soccer team concluded its NCAA Tournament run with a 4-1 loss to No. 9 Michigan State, showcasing resilience against a top-tier opponent. Despite the defeat, head coach Kevin Boyd praised the team's growth throughout the season and noted stellar defensive efforts, particularly from goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach, who made nine crucial saves. The Panthers initially held strong but fell behind during a three-minute span early in the second half. Forward Lola Wojcik scored Milwaukee's lone goal, marking her 10th of the season. The team's solid performance capped off a successful season, highlighted by multiple championships and NCAA appearances.

By the Numbers
  • The Panthers wrapped up the season with a record of 13 wins, 5 losses, and 3 draws.
  • MKE goalkeeper Bella Hollenbach recorded 9 saves during the match, keeping the score close despite significant pressure from Michigan State.
State of Play
  • The Panthers played competitively for 50 minutes before Michigan State scored two quick goals.
  • Milwaukee's senior class leaves with a track record of 4 regular-season championships and 4 NCAA Tournament appearances.
What's Next

The Milwaukee program will aim to build on this season's achievements and continue developing young talent in preparation for future tournaments. A focus on maintaining their competitive edge in non-conference play will be essential for next year's campaign.

Bottom Line

Despite the loss, Milwaukee's performance reflects a strong program foundation capable of competing at a high level, underscoring the importance of perseverance and continual improvement as they look to future tournaments.