Sports

Huge weekend for women’s soccer

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Related stories:

• Women's soccer looks to end offensive woes (October 4, 2001)
• UW celebrates silver anniversary (October 6, 2006)
• Braunston Added to Women's Soccer Staff (August 14, 2001)
• Women's soccer inching in on postseason (October 24, 2002)
• Vermuelen one of young stars on UW soccer team (October 30, 2002)

Also by Scott Berman:

• Big week for Big Ten (February 12, 2003)
• A difficult road to Big Ten title (February 4, 2003)
• Four games kick off exciting playoff weekend for women's soccer (November 8, 2002)
• Season continues for UW soccer (November 14, 2002)
• PSU's Johnson runs wild (November 20, 2002)

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Two weeks ago a promising season seemed headed towards disappointment. A winless start to conference play dropped the UW women to 0-1-1 in the conference and a record just under .500.

The home opener a week later featured a fierce rally that would eventually fall short as the Badgers lost to a talented Wolverine squad. Suddenly the chances of a Big Ten Championship seemed far-fetched.

Refusing to turn their backs on the disappointing start, the Badgers rallied together defeating Michigan State and haven’t looked back since.

“I couldn’t be happier with a group of players,” Duerst said. “It’s been a tremendous team effort.”

Continuing on their quest for a Big Ten playoff berth, the Badgers will host Ohio State tonight at the McClimon Soccer Complex. It is a vital game for the Badgers, who trail conference leader Penn State by two games.

A win against a struggling Buckeye team would set the stage for one of the biggest games of the season at home versus the Nittany Lions.

“We know how important a win Friday night is,” coach Duerst said. “Not only does it put us in a great position towards qualifying for the Big Ten tournament, but it also puts us within range of the top spot in the league.”

A win Friday would also mark a special day in Duerst’s career. He is a victory away from achieving 100 career wins, all with the Badgers.

“It’s great to be at this point.” Duerst said. “I guess this means I have either been here a while, or we have been very successful. I would like to think it’s a combination of both, but it is very special.”

If the Badgers are to stay in contention they must find a way to stop one of the hottest players in the nation in forward Heidi Drummond.

Drummond earned offensive player of the week honors following her 11-point weekend that included a hat trick against Illinois.

“Heidi is a great player who has always done well for that team, but I have told our team that individuals don’t win games, teams do and we are going to need a total team effort to shutdown their stars,” Duerst said.

The weekend will also mark the end of the line for the Badger seniors who will be playing in their last home Big Ten game.

“It’s been a great experience,” said senior Lauren Schmidt. This has been the best season of them all and I will miss it very much.”

Coach Duerst echoed similar sentiments about this special group of players.

“The senior class has been very special both on and off the field,” Duerst said. “They work hard and they are unique kids with tremendous character. I’m very proud of them.”

A win Friday will put the Badgers in excellent position for the post season.

“We’re knocking on the door,” Duerst said. “We are getting better each week and our confidence is building day by day.”