PAINESVILLE, Ohio -- The Lake Erie women's soccer team wrapped up their regular season on Tuesday afternoon against Ursuline, taking a 1-0 victory. After a scoreless first half, the Storm found success off a corner kick, as Leonie Witt and Makenna Sanom connected in the 48th minute for the game's only goal.
With the win, the Storm concluded their regular season with a 10-4-4 record — their best finish since 2006. For the first time in eight years, their season doesn't end here, as they'll travel to #4 Northwood on Saturday, November 8th, to play in the G-MAC quarterfinals.
Game Recap
Despite eight first-half shots from the Storm, the opening period was relatively quiet on both sides, with only three total shots on goal. The second half, however, began with a bang, as just three minutes in, Leonie Witt lined up for a corner kick and placed it deep, where Makenna Sanom was waiting behind most of the Arrows defenders to give Lake Erie a 1-0 lead. From there, it was much of the same as in the first half — plenty of Lake Erie chances but stellar saves from Ursuline's keeper. Ultimately, the Storm finished with 22 shots, their highest total in a match since the final game of the 2019 season, also against Ursuline.
On the Arrows' side, offensive opportunities were hard to come by, as the Storm limited them to just three shots — a season-best defensive showing for Lake Erie.
The Matchup
Despite winning both games against Ursuline this season, the Storm still trail in the all-time series, sitting at 7-15-1.
Looking Ahead
The G-MAC quarterfinals begin on Saturday, November 8th, and the Storm will be there squaring off against Northwood. Lake Erie just dropped a heartbreaker to this Timberwolves squad last Saturday, when Northwood broke a 1-1 tie with 14 seconds left to steal the match and eliminate the Storm's chances of hosting a playoff game in Painesville.
Northwood enters the postseason with only one loss on the year — a setback to Findlay nearly a month ago — though that could change tonight as they face #13 nationally ranked Ashland. The Timberwolves are led by Mari Jackson, who comfortably paces her team with six goals.
