Box Score

RIPON, Wis. - The Ripon College women's soccer team remained in contention for a Midwest Conference Tournament spot with Thursday's 1-0 victory over MWC regular season champion St. Norbert College.

In what was a defensive battle played in a steady rain throughout, the game's only goal came in the 74th minute during the second half when junior Brandi Peltier found the back of the net for her 20th goal of the season thanks to an assist by Alexandra Jirik. That marks Peltier's third consecutive season with at least 20 goals scored, making her the first player in Ripon Women's Soccer history to accomplish that feat.

After that goal, the Red Hawks (10-6-1, 5-3-1 MWC) played outstanding defense, thwarting several St. Norbert (12-4-2, 8-2-0 MWC) scoring opportunities thanks to defenders Kaitlyn Lueck, Chelsey Abler and Rachel Zeman clearing the ball on several occasions. Ripon Goal Keeper Sidney Blodgett tied a school record with her seventh shutout of the season, as the four-time MWC Defensive Performer of the Week has now recorded shutouts in two consecutive games and three of the Red Hawks' last four outings. Blodgett finished Thursday's game with 16 saves, while playing all 90 minutes, en route to her 13th career shutout.

Ripon will now travel to Carroll University on Sunday for arguably the most important game in school history. With a win, the Red Hawks would clinch a berth in the MWC Tournament for the first time in school history. A victory would also give Ripon a new school record for victories in a single season. Sunday's game will begin at 11 a.m. in Waukesha, Wis. and can be seen live on http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/ripon.portal#, with LiveStats also available at that link.