‘All the butterflies in the world’ for the UWS Women’s Soccer team who earn their 4th straight NCAA Tournament trip

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – UWS has proven to be a soccer school season after season. Head Coach Allison DeGroot and her Yellowjackets are going to the big dance for the 4th straight season after their 4th straight conference tournament win, getting the automatic bid. On Monday afternoon they received their first draw in the NCAA Tournament.

UWS drew Carlton College in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament and earned the three seed which marks their highest seed in program history. They enter into the post-season led by a dozen seniors who are winners of three in a row, keeping their opponents to scoring just over a goal a game. DeGoot says she felt a little bit of pressure to get that 4-peat for her seniors and is confident that they will continue to ride this wave into the tourney.

“We’ve hit adverse moments throughout the season, and we’ve hit challenges, but when we do this team chooses to come closer and really buy back into themselves and each other,” said DeGroot. I think that’s what made them special. They work hard and they have fun doing it.”

Captain, fifth year and Superior-native Niya Wilson sang her team’s praises as well, “Allison works really hard to build our team culture and as do we. This group has been the most special for sure. I think getting to go out there against a team we are confident matching up against with 30 of my best friends, all the butterflies in the world.”

Wilson and the Yellowjackets will open up the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday in Dubuque, Iowa. That kick-off is set for 3:30 pm.

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