MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris women's soccer team was defeated, 4-1, by the University of Wisconsin-Superior in Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play Saturday afternoon in Morris, Minn.
 
The Cougars struck first in the ninth minute on a goal from Rourke Nebel but were unable to maintain the lead.
 
The Yellowjackets improve to 8-5-4 overall and 7-0-3 in the UMAC, while the Cougars fall to 5-10-2 overall and 4-5-1 in conference play.
 
"Overall, I thought we did a good job today and attacked the game plan very well in the first 20 mins," said head coach Emma Morris. "A great goal by Rourke and the momentum was in our favor. Had we put another one in the back of the net I think the game would have had a different outcome. Now we need to turn our heads to a must win game on Wednesday and make sure we get 3 points to elevate our chances of a post-season run."
 
On the first shot of the match, Nebel found the back of the net with an assist from Ziviara Cordova. A minute later, goalkeeper CJ Frear-Boerner was tested and made her first save of the match. Talalupe Levale fired a series of long-range attempts soon after—one was saved, one sailed over the bar, and one struck the crossbar within a 90-second span.
 
In the 34th minute, the Yellowjackets were awarded a penalty kick, but the attempt hit the crossbar to keep UMM ahead by one. The lead didn't last long, however, as UW-Superior equalized just a minute later and added another goal before halftime.
 
Bella Toth registered a shot in the second half but was unable to get it on frame. Frear-Boerner kept the Cougars within striking distance, making three saves in the first 20 minutes of the half. Down the stretch, UW-Superior converted on two more chances to secure the 4-1 victory.
 
Nebel scored her third goal of the season, while Cordova tallied her first collegiate point with the assist. The Cougars recorded two shots on goal—one each from Nebel and Levale. Frear-Boerner finished with six saves in net.
 
Minnesota Morris enters the final week of the regular season next Wednesday when it travels to North Central University for a 1 p.m. kickoff.