This story and photo courtesy of NMU Sports Information
MARQUETTE, Mich. - In a non-conference competition to open the 2025 season Friday afternoon, the Northern Michigan University Wildcats faced off against the St. Cloud State Huskies. Both teams tallied late in the second half, and the clash would end in a 1-1 draw. Similar to the men's game Thursday, the ever-changing Upper Peninsula weather was a factor; temperatures in the low 50s, wind gusts in the mid-20 miles per hour, on-and-off rain, and the sun hiding behind clouds made playing conditions near Lake Superior a little more challenging for the two sides.
After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Huskies defender Grace Olson struck first from a free-kick just north of 20 minutes into the second frame. Not ten minutes later, Marquette, Michigan native and Marquette Senior High School standout, Isabella Lorens, scored to secure a draw for the Green and Gold. In her first appearance in a Wildcats shirt, Lily Senese set up Lorens' goal to earn her first-career Wildcat point. Along with Senese, four other student-athletes made their NMU debut; freshmen Gretchen Ellis and Addison Frantti earned spots in the starting eleven, while fellow freshmen Christina Roberts and Madi Bonsall both made appearances.
Jillian Thompson made five saves from six on target, marking her first start between the pipes since September 7, 2024. Four others played the full 90 minutes alongside the goalkeeper, those being Hannah Kastamo, Irene Kiilunen, Addison Wargo, and Alyse Daavettila. Both Ellis and captain Kenna Alexander took brief breathers towards the end of the game before subbing back on, logging 85 and 80 minutes of play, respectively.
The counting stats were nearly even, as both teams had 10 shots, with the Huskies recording six on frame to the 'Cats five. NMU held the corner advantage 6-4.
