Nov. 18, 2009

Complete Release in PDF Format

The third round of the 2009 NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship begins this Friday with Wisconsin still in the hunt for the national crown. After playing host to opening first- and second-round competition, the Badgers will travel to Chestnut Hills, Mass., where they will meet second-seeded Boston College with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Winners from the round of 16 will advance to the Elite Eight with games being played on either Nov. 27, 28 or 29.

Wisconsin advances in the bracket on the strength of two hard-fought victories over Arizona State and third-seeded Central Florida at McClimon Soccer Complex last weekend. UW survived a thrilling first-round contest against the Sun Devils, prevailing 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout after the two teams battled to a 1-1 draw through 110 minutes of play. The Badgers then punched their ticket to the NCAA round of 16 with a 1-0 triumph over the No. 13-ranked Knights on Sunday.

In Wisconsin’s 15th NCAA appearance, the Badgers move to 12-14-1 in the national tournament, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1993 when UW proceeded to the quarterfinals. The Badgers will look to improve on their nine-game unbeaten streak (5-0-4) when they square of against the Eagles on Friday. Wisconsin leads the all-time series against Boston College, with the first and last meeting between the two programs resulting in a 5-3 decision in favor of the Badgers on Sept. 12, 2004. UW is anchored by sophomore Laurie Nosbusch who currently leads the team with 18 points, six goals and six assists.

The 16 remaining teams will be vying for the chance to compete at the 2009 NCAA Women's College Cup, scheduled to take place December 4-5 in College Station, Texas, at Aggie Soccer Stadium. Texas A&M University will serve as host.