Aug. 9, 2012
Photo Gallery
• Postgame: Lauren Gunderson 
MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin women's soccer team opened its 2012 season with a 1-0 loss to No. 16 Marquette in exhibition play at Valley Field on Thursday.
"Always disappointing to lose but the big thing for us is we need to get healthy," head coach Paula Wilkins said. "Playing Marquette is always good because of the pressure they put on the ball and because of how dynamic they are in the front half. This game was great because it gave us a good idea of the things we need to tighten up heading into our home opener next Friday against Notre Dame."
Both Lauren Gunderson and Olivia Hoff saw time in net for the Badgers, splitting duties by period. The Badgers played five freshmen at the same time at one point during the second 25 minutes of action, displaying the depth that Wilkins hopes to develop throughout the 2012 season.
The Golden Eagles outshot the Badgers 8-1 and tallied the only score of the night on one of their four corner kicks. Wisconsin threatened on numerous occasions but was unable to capitalize on three corner kick opportunities.
"We were definitely sporadic but I was very pleased with the play of Brianna Stelzer who played all 75 minutes for us in the back," Wilkins said. "I think Cara Walls was very good today. We need to find a way to get her and Paige (Adams) the ball more and from there we'll be able to solve some things."
"For me as a coach, I don't ever enjoy losing but I did like some of the things I saw today and that's what exhibitions are about."
The Badgers return home for their regular season opener on Friday, Aug. 17, as they welcome Notre Dame to the McClimon Soccer Complex. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. CT.
