Here are five things to know:
1. SEASON RECAP: The Badgers have a 2024 record of 9-5-4 (5-4-3 B1G) going into the postseason. Aryssa Mahrt has come alive in the 2024 season. Through 18 games, Mahrt leads the team with nine goals, which is good for sixth in the Big Ten. She also leads the conference, and is fourth in the nation, in shot accuracy (.667). The Badgers have seven players tacking multiple goals on the season including graduate student Peighton Steffen who has two. Ashley Martinez leads the team in assists capitalizing seven times this season, picking up three apples against Maryland. In the conference rankings, UW sits fourth for corner kicks per game with 5.94. Goalkeeper, Drew Stover, stepped up to the plate this season, earning the starting spot. She now has 3 clean sheets through the last 5 games. She recorded a career-high 7 saves against No. 10 Ohio State and No. 5 Michigan State.
2. SCOUTING THE BLACK BEARS: Maine is coached by head coach Scott Atherley, who is in his 26th season. The Black Bears earned an automatic bid to the tournament after winning the America East Tournament. Maine sits at 13-1-3 on the season, the most victories for the program since going 14-4-2 in 2006. Abby Kramer leads the Black Bears in goals, with 7 on the season. She’s taken 74 shots this season with 40.5% on target. Kelly Kristina and Kramer both lead the team in assists with 5 a piece. The team averages 1.82 goals per game, holding their opponents to only 0.71. Grace Wilson has been playing in goal for the Black Bears most recently. In the three games she has played, she has not given up a goal.
3. POSTSEASON HONORS: Three Badgers earned postseason accolades from the Big Ten. Sophomore Hailey Baumann earned Second Team (defense). Baumann started in and played every match of the season, racking up 1,520 minutes of playing time. She had one goal and three assists in regular-season play. This is Baumann’s third Big Ten honor after being named to the All-Freshman Team and Third Team (defense) in the 2023 season. Graduate student Aryssa Mahrt earned Third Team (forward). Mahrt led the Badgers in goals scored with nine in the regular season. She had 36 shots-on-goal in the regular season, earning a season-high two goals in a game on Aug. 22, then tying it days later on the 29th. Senior Ashley Martinez…
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