Looking to spark an offense that had scored two goals in its last four games, the NIU women’s soccer team took a season-high 10 shots on goal in Wednesday’s match against Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Carrying a 2-1 lead into the second half, 10 shots looked to be enough, but UWGB responded with two goals to beat the Huskies 3-2 in their season-ending game.

“It was a very frustrating day,” NIU coach Frank Horvat said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t end on the note we would have liked to, especially for the seniors.”

After a UWGB goal put the Phoenix up 1-0, NIU responded 34 seconds later with a goal from senior Denise Papke – her second of the year.

NIU added another goal minutes later, giving them a 2-1 cushion. Katie Klaas scored directly off of a corner kick.

The Huskies had the opportunity to add another goal when Klaas was fouled later in the half for a penalty kick. Klaas’s shot was deflected, keeping the game within a goal’s reach for the Phoenix.

“It’s just our story of the year,” Horvat said.” We played good enough to win and had the opportunities to put it away in the first half, but we didn’t finish our good chances.”

The Huskies later threatened with several close shots, but couldn’t get past UWGB goalkeeper Nora Kaitfors.

UWGB added a tying goal early in the second half, and took the lead with less than 18 minutes left in the game.

“We did a great job in the first half,” Horvat said, “but in the second half we didn’t play to the same level.”

The game marked the final game for eight seniors. Jill Heikkila was the only senior unable to play due to a hand injury from earlier in the season.

“We’re going to miss our upperclassmen, but next year started the second the whistle was blown,” Horvat said. “We’re excited about the players returning, but we have a lot of work to do. We’re looking forward to changing our direction for next year.”