Nov. 3, 2005
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - No. 20 Purdue's Big Ten season came to an end Thursday, falling to Wisconsin, 3-0, during the first round of the conference tournament. Badger Amy Vermeulen was responsible for all the damage, recording the second hat trick of her career.
The loss drops the Boilermakers' record to 11-7-1, with a possible NCAA berth still on the horizon. The NCAA tournament bracket will be released Monday afternoon. The Badgers advance to the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament, where they will meet Michigan State Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Vermeulen scored her first goal on a header in the 24th minute. The senior received the assist from Elise Weber in the six-yard box and popped it into the right side of the net past goalkeeper Lauren Mason.
Purdue had trouble scoring in the first half despite launching seven shots and receiving seven more corner kicks. Only one of the Boilermakers' first half shots was on goal, which was a header by Kalie Grambeau saved at the post by Wisconsin's Lauren Rudzinski. Grambeau's attempt was off a Kim Comisar corner kick taken in the 42nd minute.
The Boilermakers had trouble making noise inside the 18-yard box after taking corners, as the Badgers were able to clear out the ball after one or two Purdue touches. Even when the Old Gold and Black saw an open shot, Wisconsin would quickly close the gaps to block shots.
Wisconsin finished the first half with six shots, four of them on goal, and two corner kicks. Mason made three saves and ran into traffic a few times to secure some crosses. Purdue's junior netminder finished the match with four saves.
Vermeulen added her second goal in the 63rd minute, blasting back a Taylor Walsh shot that Mason had slid down to save. Since Mason was unable to rangle Walsh's shot, Vermeulen was able to shoot into a wide-open net.
Vermeulen secured the hat trick nine minutes later after burying an assist from Walsh off the right post.
The Badger defense continued to break down any potential Boilermaker scoring attempts in the second half. Parrissa Eyorokon was defended well as she tried to make a turn inside the six, and Jessica Okoroafo was spun around by Wisconsin goalkeeper Lynn Murray as both went up for the ball. Eyorokon also had a header saved by Murray in the closing minutes.
Purdue finished the second half with five shots, and recorded 12 for the game. Wisconsin launched 14 shots, putting half on goal.