By: Joe Hansen

Box Score
UMD Postgame Press Conference

The University of Minnesota Duluth, tabbed fifth in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference at the beginning of the season and never ranked in the Coaches' National
Top 25 poll, more than exceeded expectations in 2013, but bowed out in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II tournament to No. 1 Grand Valley State University by a 2-1 final at Malosky Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs close their season at 17-5-1, matching the 2000 and 2009 seasons for the most wins in program history. UMD made the tournament in each of those seasons as well, but advanced further than ever before in 2013 with just one all-time NCAA playoff victory entering this year.

"We knew we wanted to do something great, and we knew what it take to get there: hard work," said senior captain Dani Potter. "A lot of us probably put more work into soccer than we have school. [Coach] probably doesn't want to hear that, but it's true. I'm just so proud of what we've accomplished."

Grand Valley State netted its first goal just four minutes into the match, a free kick by freshman Marti Corby which slipped inside the far post to give them an early lead. The Bulldogs battled back and controlled play through the first half, out-shooting the Lakers 6-5 before the break. The second half saw UMD continue to push Grand Valley's attack to the outside, allowing just four shots on net in the game. The Lakers took a 2-0 in the 72nd minute, a one-time kick from Charlie Socia courtesy of a Kendra Stauffer kick.

The second goal sparked a Bulldog rally and UMD held the ball in Grand Valley's end through much of the game's final 15 minutes. UMD got on the board just ten minutes later on a Jennifer Smith (Jr./Mid.) free kick. Smith launched a kick that curled over the wall of defenders and into the upper left corner. The Bulldogs would have more chances in the second half, taking four shots on net in the second half (without allowing another), but UMD ran out of time.

"We knew it would take a special effort from us today, and I felt we were on our way to doing that. They have special players in special situations that stepped up for them, but I'd take my team if we were to play again today, tomorrow, and feel like we had just as good of a chance," said head coach Greg Cane.

Shots finished 12-11 in favor of UMD for the game. Sophomore goalkeeper Marissa Rosa finished with a pair of saves for the Bulldogs. GVSU's Abbey Miller had six in the game. Though the polls may not reflect it, UMD played nearly even with the top-ranked team in the nation and got to close its season at home.

"I like being the underdog, it gives you more [of an opportunity] to just play your game," said Jennifer Smith. "We know, even if we are the underdog, we can win any game."

"I'm just happy I got to play my last game ever here, even with the outcome," said Potter.