On a day that marked the last time four of the NIU women’s soccer player’s would ever be on the field, it fell to Western Michigan 2-0. Meaghan Bennett started at goalie for the Huskies, which was just the second start of her career.

The game started off ominously for NIU (2-15-2), as the Broncos (12-7-0) posted a shot that hit off the cross-bar, deflecting away from play.

At the 13-minute mark, senior forward/midfielder Kelsey Passaglia posted a shot on goal to retaliate.

The Broncos then took the lead on a goal by senior forward Stephanie Skowneski, with an assist from senior Nikolette Rivera. Rivera headed the ball right into Skowneski, who floated the ball just past Bennett.

Skowneski followed up the first goal with another goal in the 41st minute of play, this time with an assist from Aubrey Sudomier.

“[Skowneski] an extremely important part of our team,” said Suzie Grech, Western Michigan women’s soccer head coach. “Her leadership on and off the field may be more important than what she does on the field. Today, she actually broke the record for career goals scored at Western Michigan…She’s a phenomenal player.”

NIU was outshot 18-7, as well as having a disadvantage in shots on goal, 5-3. One shot that was not counted on goal was a 30 yard blast attempt from sophomore forward/midfielder Corrine Frankenberg.

“It was a great shot, a rocket of a shot,” said Carrie Barker, NIU women’s soccer head coach. “That’s just been our luck this season. It was more or less funny just because of all the cross-bars hit this season.”

Having it be the last game of the season and no MAC tournament play being possible, NIU decided to give some players more time than they usually receive in the rotation.

“They looked composed and they gave one hundred percent effort,” Barker said.

Sophomore goalkeeper Deanna Libricz made her first career appearance, relieving Bennett at the 78 minute mark.

“It was nice finally getting to be out with the girls,” Libricz said. “I’m on the sidelines, so actually being able to be out there and be a part of the team was a great experience.”