Hafner lifts NMU past Ferris State in OT

MARQUETTE, Mich. — A golden goal from sophomore Paula Hafner gave the Northern Michigan University soccer team a 1-0 overtime victory over Ferris State in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action Sunday.

The goal came 1:58 into the first overtime period. Sophomore Wynona Maravilla slipped the ball to Hafner from the right side before Hafner fired the ball across the face of the goalie to the far post giving NMU the win.

“I think Ferris State is an excellent team, they are well coached and are definitely one of the top three or four teams in the conference,” said NMU head coach Matt Granstrand. “I thought today was a really good game, two talented teams going at it for 90-minutes plus and we are fortunate to come out with the win, but a great game today by both teams.”

The Wildcats improved to 7-7-1 overall with a 5-5 GLIAC record while Ferris State fell to 6-8-2 with a 5-5-1 league mark. The Wildcats are now 2-3-1 in overtimes games this season and have won five out of their last six outings.

Ferris State outshot NMU 11-8 in the contest with a 7-4 advantage in the second half. Sophomore goalkeeper Caroline Glantz kept a clean sheet though, hauling in five saves en route to the win.

Sophomore Carmen Villarruel led the Wildcats with four shots, three of which were on goal. Hafner also had three shots on goal for NMU.

Prior to the beginning of the game, NMU honored the senior memebers of the soccer team with the annual Senior Day celebration. Honored were – Haley Boroughf, Cheyenne Cecchini, Shelby Conard, Ashley Katers, Kim Rietveld and Taylor Smith .

Northern Michigan will wrap up their regular season slate on the road next weekend when they travel to Northwood for a 2 p.m. matchup on Thursday (Oct. 30) and will play their regular season finale at Saginaw Valley at 12 p.m. Saturday ( Nov. 1).

(Information Courtesy of NMU Athletics)