UNK women’s soccer team came off a high note last season, ending with a record of 8-6-5 and a trip to the conference tournament. The team had the same expectations heading into this season, but fell short.
“I am proud of the fight that the team put in this season, even though it wasn’t the outcome we had hoped for,” said coach Rob Breton
The Lopers ended this season 3-9-5. One notable game was the tie with Pittsburg State back in Sept. This was a night game for UNK and the Lopers couldn’t have been happier to be under the lights at home. Pittsburg State would then go on and become the MIAA conference champions.
“That was one of the few games we got to be back under the lights for here at home and it was even more exciting to hold Pitt State to only one goal scored,” Breton said.
That was a tough game for the Lopers and Pittsburg State outshot UNK 23-5, 6-4 in shots on goal. UNK’s goal was scored by senior forward Hanna Schimmer. Pittsburg State ended its season 14-2-2.
Schimmer was the top season goal scorer for the Lopers last season, with 10. However, this season took a turn, not just for Schimmer but others as well.
Schimmer’s last game was against Missouri Southern, where she suffered a knee injury. UNK also ended that match in a 0-0 draw.
Senior midfielder Gracie Perez also suffered a season-ending injury in the game against Rogers State and the last game she appeared in was the senior day game against Northeastern State. Perez came out and was able to kick off the game before subbing back out for the remainder of the game.
The last game against Fort Hays ended in a 2-2 draw for the Lopers. The first goal was scored by Mia Lang with the assist from Kea Barnes and Jordan Renard. The second one came from Kelia Gillispe with the assist from Reagan Downes.
The team did have All-MIAA honorable mentions. Those include graduate defender and captain Kelia Gillispe from Newton, Kansas, Lang from Papillion, junior goalkeeper Susie Bovaird from Lincoln, and junior defender Madison Province from Kearney.
“Being able to come in as a transfer back to my hometown and make an impact on this team was a goal,” Province said. “And I sure hope I did that.”
Province appeared in 13 games, earning a starting spot in 10.
“None of that would have been possible without the coaching staff,” Province said. “Coach (Breton) is just so passionate with everything that he does. He always has our best interest in mind and supports us not just on the field, but in our personal lives as well.”
Breton will now enter into his fourth season at UNK, with an extended contract through 2028.
