Spring Break
On to the semifinals
Women's soccer defeats UW-Oshkosh to advance
Frank Pellegrino
Issue date: 11/3/08 Section: Sports
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In a rather one-sided affair, the Blugolds were able to outshoot their opponents 16-2.
The first goal for Eau Claire came in the 7th minute by freshman Rachel Nerison who was able to collect a pass from senior Amy Smith and place it into the back of the net.
"I think we came out really strong and everyone was working together well," Nerison said. "We came out in the first half and played one of the best halves we've played in a long time."Smith then continued her dominance against WIAC opponents by adding a goal of her own just eight minutes later. The tally gave the Blugolds a 2-0 lead that they carried into the half.
After a long week of practice without any games, it was unclear what type of mind-set the Eau Claire players would have.
"It was really nice just being able to focus on one game this week," senior goalkeeper Allie Rivard said. "We had a really good week of practice and really spent time conditioning and working on things that we needed to."
The conditioning by the Blugolds was evident as they continued to maintain control of the game after the break. Eau Claire was able to uphold its power as soon as the whistle blew, and sustained it for the rest of the game.
Putting in her 20th goal the season, Smith tallied her second score of the game with only six minutes remaining.
Just four minutes later, the Blugolds were able to pick up some extra insurance as junior Sam Krueger registered a goal.
Eau Claire was able to coast the rest of the way and pick up the 4-0 victory. Although she wasn't tested much, Rivard was able to remain steady in the back and pick up her eighth shutout of the season.
"There's just such a comfort with (Rivard) back there," Nerison said. "It takes a lot of pressure off of us as a team because we know she'll save our butts."
In the semifinals of the conference tournament the Blugolds will take on UW-Whitewater, a team they defeated 3-1 earlier this
season.
If the Blugolds come away with a win, they will advance to the finals on Saturday and take on the winner of the other semifinal game between UW-La Crosse and UW-Stevens Point. Stevens Point, who won the WIAC regular season conference title, will host the remainder of its games.
"Today we really played well," Rivard said. "I think we're peaking right now around the playoffs, and we really came out and did what we wanted to do today."
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