CALEDONIA, Mich. — Goalkeeper Elizabeth Wolter anchored Davenport University's defense with a commanding performance, recording eight saves and a clean sheet as the Panthers battled past Northern Michigan University for a 1-0 victory on Sunday afternoon at the Farmers Insurance Athletic Complex.

From the opening kickoff, Northern Michigan tested Davenport's back line with consistent offensive pressure, tallying 18 total shots. Wolter remained composed in goal, making several crucial stops to keep the Wildcats scoreless. She denied early attempts from Gretchen Ellis at the 5:37 and 22:38 marks before producing one of the game's standout moments in the 36th minute — a full-extension save on Madison Bilbia's strike that was kicked in the upper corner. Her reliability in net allowed the Panthers to weather the storm and enter halftime locked in a 0-0 deadlock.

Davenport's persistence paid off in the second half. In the 79th minute, Claire Breault capitalized on a perfectly timed assist from Madelyn Schamanek, slotting the ball past the Northern Michigan goalkeeper, Jillian Thompson, to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. From there, it was all about defensive discipline. The Wildcats surged forward with eight more shots and four corner kicks in the final stretch, but Wolter continued to rise to the occasion, making two exceptional saves that preserved the narrow advantage.
 
Head Coach Joe White praised his goalkeepers, highlighting their contributions and Wolter's strong performance:
"Liz is a huge part of our back line. She had a great freshman year last year and had an injury early this year, so we've only had her for a few weeks. Bailey Gauthier, who's been playing, has done a really good job for us as well. Liz is up there with one of the best goalkeepers in the country, and I think she showed her worth out there today. I think some of those saves were extraordinary, and she does that every game for us."
While Northern Michigan entered the matchup ranked fifth in the GLIAC standings, Davenport approached the game with confidence and intent.


"We don't see it as an upset," White responded. "Anyone that we play at home, we expect to beat. We really focused on making our home field a fortress."
The Panthers' combination of poise under pressure and determination on both ends of the field defined the afternoon. Breault's clinical finish and Wolter's commanding presence in goal led the way as Davenport secured one of its most complete performances of the season.

DU will look to build these complete performances this weekend as Purdue Northwest and Parkside will travel to Caledonia on Oct. 24^th and Oct. 26^th kicking off both at 2 PM.