The NKU women’s soccer team welcomed Green Bay to Scudamore Field in front of over 500 fans on Sunday.  The Norse looked to grab their first Horizon League win of the season on the same day that three seniors were recognized for their successful time spent as a Norse.

NKU started bringing the heat early, as they fired off seven shots in the first 22 minutes, but it was late in the 26th minute that they were finally able to get on the board. Meghan Belrose sent the eighth shot of this game by the Norse, sailing into the net to give them a 1-0 lead. The defense held Green Bay down, as the Phoenix were only able to muster up four shots in the first half with only one shot on goal, and were also baited into fouling the Norse four times throughout the first half. The Norse would take a 1-0 lead into the half.

It was more of the same in the second half for the Norse. Lydia Self got the action started in the half with a shot on goal that was sent away by Green Bay goalie Mallorie Benhart in the 45th minute. Self would get another shot up soon after and would not be denied on her senior day, as she put one through the net in the 51st minute to put the Norse ahead 2-0. 

NKU was not done yet as Kylie Anderson would score off a header in the 55th minute, courtesy of an assist from Kaya Vogt. That goal would put the Norse in a great position with a 3-0 lead with less than a half of soccer left to go. The team would get a couple more chances to add to that tally, but Meghan Belrose would miss high on her shot attempt and Natalie Newman would be blocked in the 74th minute.

The Norse defense continued to give themselves breathing room as they were able to deny another shot on goal by the Phoenix. Green Bay would finally get on the board in the 77th minute as a Lily Lambird pass found Ryan Hafenbrak for their first goal of the night. The NKU defense would tighten up and no other shots were allowed, leading to a 3-1 victory for the Norse. NKU women’s soccer improves to 4-6 on the season and 1-1 in Horizon League play.  

NKU will travel up to Cleveland State to showdown on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. The Vikings are still looking for their first win of the season, but the Norse will be looking to win their fourth game in the last five matches.