Following a Friday night victory over Rutgers, the No. 12 Wisconsin women’s soccer team clinched at least a third place finish in the Big Ten with a 1-0 double overtime victory against Maryland Sunday.

The opening 30 minutes of the game showcased a series of turnovers and sloppy passes by both offenses, as neither team could hold onto the ball long enough to set up a close range opportunity to score. Both defenses were sharp to start the match, especially Wisconsin’s, limiting the Terrapins (5-6-6, 3-4-5 Big Ten) to just one shot on goal in the first half.

Following a series of offensive substitutions by the Badgers (15-2-1, 9-2-1) on the offensive end near the end of the first half, the Badgers found a spark in their passing game. Midfielder Rose Lavelle began to find some lanes to redshirt junior forward Marisa Kresge and senior Cara Walls, but Maryland’s senior defender Shade Pratt was instrumental in limiting any major scoring opportunities inside their own box.

The experience of both goalkeepers during the second half contributed to the game remaining scoreless after regulation. Although the Badgers continued their offensive momentum following halftime, Maryland’s Rachelle Beanlands was brilliant and recorded seven total saves.

Wisconsin’s junior midfielder Kinley McNicoll gave Beanlands the most trouble, registering three shots on goal and just missing a couple more from close range.

Wisconsin’s redshirt senior goalkeeper Genevieve Richard was her usual self throughout the match, using her experience to clear out potential breakaways and consistently clearing out dangerous crosses into the middle of the box.

The shutout by Richard marks her 10th of the season, and she recorded three saves on the day.

Playing in her final regular season home game and contributing to the defensive dominance of Wisconsin, fifth year senior defender Alexandra Heller credited the rigorous offseason training of the entire backline unit to the success they’ve been able to sustain all season.

“We had a really tough spring, we were doing so much fitness and Paula just kept saying that this was going to motivate us in the fall,” Heller said. “So I think because we had such a hard spring, it really prepared us well, and each game we just expect so much out of ourselves that we expect to have shutouts, get goals and just win.”

The Wisconsin defense came up big again as the game entered a second overtime period, as neither team could finish the game in the first 10 minutes of extra time. Highlighting the opening overtime segment was a near miss by McNicoll on a turnaround shot after she managed to beat the defense into the box.

Following a few clearances and missed opportunities by both teams in the second overtime period, it looked as if the match was heading for a tie.

The entire vibe of the stadium shifted, however, when a forced corner kick in Wisconsin’s attacking third gave Lavelle a chance to cross one through the defense with just seven minutes left in the session. What followed was a perfectly placed ball past Beanlands to redshirt senior Kodee Williams for the game-winning header.

After not having a single header goal as a Badger coming into the weekend, Williams had two after Sunday, and both were game winners in the most crucial stretch of the season.

With a lot of different memories to choose from over her years with Wisconsin, Williams said few could match up with what might be her last ride at the McClimon Soccer Complex.

“I don’t want to say it’s the highlight of my career because it’s not done yet, but for sure it’s up there with my top five moments in soccer for my whole life,” Williams said.

Five of the six goals Williams has scored this season have been game winners, tying her teammate Walls for the most in the Big Ten.