The UW-Eau Claire women’s soccer team defeated UW-Stout last Saturday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. The match was held at Simpson Field.

This game also served as senior day for UW-Eau Claire to honor the team’s seniors for their hard work and dedication to the program over the four years since they have been enrolled.

The Blugolds proved victorious over the Blue Devils, scoring two points within the last 20 minutes of the game. This brings the Blugolds’ season record to 10-4-3.

Sydney Spencer, a fourth-year forward, said that the outcome of this game was what the team had hoped for and expected. However, she said that the team wished to have gotten the first goal much earlier in the game.

“Once we were getting closer to the final 30 minutes I was definitely getting a little nervous we wouldn’t be able to pull it off,” Spencer said. “But our team finished strong like we always do and put two in the back of the net.”

Katlyn Byhre, a third-year defender, said she also found Saturday’s results to be expected but was hoping to have scored more goals based on the number of shots on goal.

“Ideally, we would’ve liked to have put a few more of our chances away, but I’m extremely happy we were able to pull off a win, especially for senior day,” Byhre said.

According to Blugold Athletics, the team made eight shots on goal that game, with two of them earning their score.

Head coach Sean Yengo said that the team did a great job sticking to the game plan despite not seeing the ball go in the back of the net after every shot on goal.

“I was proud of them for that,” Yengo said. “I wasn’t surprised at all about the goals because we were doing a great job of creating opportunities.”

Starting on Tuesday, Oct. 31, the women’s team will be competing against UW-Whitewater at home once again. This match serves as the opening round for the WIAC tournament which will be occurring from Tuesday, Oct. 31 to Saturday, Nov. 4.

Both Spencer and Byhre have said that they are very excited about this upcoming tournament.

“Playoffs always bring out a new level of grit in teams and I’m confident in our abilities to adapt and perform the way we need to, to continue to advance in the tournament,” Byhre said.

Looking back on when she first started, Spencer said that the team has grown so much as individuals and as a whole. They have been working hard for the past two and a half months for this very moment.

“As a team, we know what we are capable of and it’s time to show others exactly what that is,” Spencer said. “It’s definitely not going to be easy, but I am so proud of everything we have accomplished already this season and I am confident we are ready for this next challenge.”

Coach Yengo said that the road to the championship game will be challenging but something he knows this team is up for.

Out of eight teams, the Blugolds are seeded third in the WIAC tournament. The match against UW-Whitewater will start at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at Simpson Field.

Davidsaver can be reached at [email protected].