Two weeks ago, Sheri Ferron wasn't even a starter for the Wisconsin women's soccer team. Now she can't be stopped.
After scoring the Badgers' lone goal in a 2-1 loss at Ohio State Friday night, Ferron made sure the Badgers (2-2-0 Big Ten, 5-4-2 overall) wouldn't return home empty handed. The sophomore transfer from Seton Hall provided a much needed offensive spark Sunday afternoon, tallying two goals and an assist in leading UW to an easy 5-1 victory at Minnesota (0-4-0, 6-5-1). Ferron has scored in all three matches she's played in since joining the starting lineup last weekend.
Minnesota got on the board first early in the contest when sophomore midfielder Kaitlin Wagner scored on a free kick at 2:26. Rather than caving in early, however, the Badgers responded in a big way.
Senior midfielder Kara Kabellis evened the match at 30:03 when she notched her third goal of the season on an assist from sophomore forward Elise Weber. The score remained tied 1-1 through halftime, but it didn't take the Badgers long to change that.
Just 27 seconds into the second half, senior midfielder Allison Preiss scored her first goal of the season on a rebound inside the penalty box. It was the first of four Badger goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Less than three minutes after Preiss' goal, Ferron converted on the first of her two scores on an assist from sophomore forward Taylor Walsh. Just five minutes later, Weber added an unassisted goal, her second of the season. Ferron capped off the Badgers' scoring with her fourth goal of the season at 59:03. Junior Ann Eshun was credited with the assist.
Wisconsin outshot the Gophers 22-11 in the game, which included a 12-5 advantage in the lopsided second half. Junior goaltender Lynn Murray, who played both matches in net for the first time this season, recorded six saves.
While Wisconsin was all smiles after its blowout victory Sunday, things weren't so rosy Friday. The Badgers lost their Friday night game for the third consecutive weekend, dropping a 2-1 decision at Ohio State (1-3-0, 5-5-1).
The Buckeyes jumped out to an early lead when All-Big Ten midfielder Lara Dickenmann scored her fourth goal of the season in the 20th minute. UW drew even in the 27th minute when Ferron scored off an assist from Eshun. The Badgers weren't able to hold on for long, however, allowing Ohio State's Jenna Greenwood to score less than two minutes later.
The Buckeyes outshot the Badgers 17-11 in the contest. Murray made six saves for the Wisconsin.
The Badgers return to action Friday and Sunday at the McClimon Soccer Complex when they host Michigan and Michigan State.
