Jillian Thompson, Goal Keeper | Northern Michigan Wildcats Women's Soccer
Jillian Thompson, Goal Keeper | Northern Michigan Wildcats Women's Soccer
The Northern Michigan University women's soccer team lost its first match of the 2025 season, falling 1-0 to Northwood University in Marquette. The Wildcats now hold a record of 0-1-2 under new head coach Gabe Egolf. Northwood improved to 2-0-0 and is aiming to move up from its current fifth-place ranking in the Midwest region.
In the opening half, both teams recorded four shot attempts each, with NMU goalkeeper Jillian Thompson making two saves. The only goal came twelve minutes into the second half after Northwood forced a turnover deep in NMU territory. Mari Jackson completed a passing sequence for Northwood that resulted in the decisive score.
Six Wildcats played the entire ninety minutes: Thompson, Hannah Kastamo, Kenna Alexander, Addison Wargo, Ava Buhlman, and Irene Kiilunen. Madison Bilbia, Gretchen Ellis, and Alyse Daavettila also saw significant playing time as starters. Substitute Lily Senese led all bench players in minutes on the field.
Despite outshooting Northwood ten to nine overall, NMU was limited to just two shots on target compared to four by their opponents.
Early in the second half, Lily Senese had one of NMU's best opportunities but sent her attempt over the crossbar from eight yards out. Later, a Wildcat defensive pass was intercepted by Northwood off a goal kick, leading to a quick counterattack finished by Kendall Buchman after assists from Ashtyn Lange and Mari Jackson.
NMU pressed for an equalizer late in the match but could not convert chances created by Ellis and Bilbia.
Looking ahead, Northern Michigan will host Cedarville University—currently ranked sixth in the Midwest—on Saturday at noon as they conclude their non-conference schedule.
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