Box Score HAMMOND, Ind.—Northern Michigan University Women's Soccer (2-5, 1-0 GLIAC) defeated Purdue University-Northwest, 5-0, Saturday morning courtesy of four goals by freshman forward Jenna Halonen (Howell, Michigan).
Picking up right where they left off in their victory over Northwood University, the Wildcats dominated the match offensively from the opening whistle. NMU connected on their fifth shot of the contests in the 14th-minute of play on Halonen's fourth goal of the season.
In the 21st-minute, senior defender Allyssa Milam (Williamston, Michigan) connected on a 40-yard free kick to put the Wildcats up a pair less than midway through the first period of play. The Wildcat defense also stepped up from the start, led by freshman goalkeeper Brianna Frontuto (Luxemborg, Wisconsin) in goal. PNW recorded two shots in the first half with one being on-goal, resulting in a Frontuto save.
NMU went into the halftime break with the 2-0 advantage, marking the first time in 2017 the Wildcats took a lead into the intermission. Halonen's goal marked the second time this season that the team scored a goal in the opening half.
The second half was all Halonen who recorded two more goals in the period. Her fifth goal of the season came in the 61st-minute off the assist from junior defender Maddie Herbert (Clarkston, Michigan). Two minutes later, Halonen scored her sixth goal of the season with senior forward Madison Hamilla (Gaylord, Michigan) being credited with the assist. Junior defender Raven Mitchell (Davison, Michigan) got in on the assist action to Halonen in the 88th-minute for Halone's seventh goal of 2017, securing the 5-0 victory in the process.
As a freshman, Halonen is already making her mark on the program with her seven goals and 16 points. A year ago, Casey Durand led the team in both categories despite only having five goals and six points. Halonen also now leads the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in goals and points.
Frontuto picked up the win between the posts to improve to 2-4 on the season. Junior goalkeeper Emma Vermette (Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan) entered the contest in the 66th-minute, finishing the game with a save. The win marks the second-consecutive shutout for the Wildcats' defense.
Next up, NMU looks to keep their two-match win streak alive when the end the weekend in Caledonia, Michigan for a noon matchup with Davenport University (5-2, 1-0 GLIAC).
