MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Northern Michigan University women's soccer team took care of business on the field this afternoon, defeating the Wisconsin Parkside Rangers 1-0 and securing their first GLIAC Championship title.

This is the second straight season the Wildcats have made it to the GLIAC championship match, and the first time the Wildcats have won the championship in program history. It is also the third time in four years the team has made it to the finals under head coach Jon Sandoval.

Molly Pistorius, Maria Storm, Brooke Pietila, and Jillian Thompson were all selected for members of the All-GLIAC Tournament Team

The 'Cats were able to get a lead on the Rangers after scoring the lone goal a little more than halfway through the first half, with Brenna Musser netting her first goal of the season. The 'Cats dominated the game in both halves, as they would go on to outshoot the Rangers 24-6 with 9-1 on target.

Jon Sandoval had this to say after the match:

"It really hasn't sunk in yet… A lot of pride for the players for the amount of work they have put in during the regular season, but also our pride for the Northern Michigan community. The amount of support that we've seen this year; it's obviously great to win, and it's an even better feeling when you're winning with a great fan base that we have."

Cat Nips

• Brenna Musser scored the lone goal of the afternoon, earning her first goal of the season, third career game-winning goal, and 13th of her career
• Brooke Pietila, Brenna Musser, and Molly Pistorius lead in the shots department with six each
• The Wildcats outshot the Rangers 24-6, with 13 to three on target
• The 'Cats recorded nine corner kicks to the Rangers' one
• Jillian Thompson recorded her GLIAC-leading 15th win on the season and 14th shutout

How It Happened
1st Half
The Wildcats were on the front foot to start the match, outshooting the Rangers 10-3 before netting the first goal of the game a little over halfway into the first half. Brooke Pietila earned a free kick that she delivered into the box, which was swarmed by the Rangers. Brenna Musser found a way through the traffic and scored her first goal of the season. This gave the Wildcats an early 1-0 advantage while outshooting their opponents at 14-3 as they strode to the locker room. 

2nd Half
The Wildcats leaned into a defensive structure during the second half while continuing on with their one-goal lead. Ten shots were attempted during this time before the Rangers ran it down the field and toward Jillian Thompson, who was able to make the crucial save. There were a couple of scary moments for the 'Cats down the stretch as the UWP offense got some quality looks, but the Wildcats were able to hold on and win the programs first ever GLIAC Championship.

Up Next
The 'Cats await the NCAA selection show to determine where they will become a part of the NCAA Regional Tournament play. The selection show takes place on Monday at 6:30 p.m.