SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Tyler Isgrig's 44th-minute strike proved the difference as fifth-seeded Baylor eliminated fourth-seeded Wisconsin 1-0 Thursday in the NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship at Alumni Stadium.
Isgrig's late first-half finish broke a tense deadlock, giving the Bears the lead they'd defend through 46 minutes of relentless Wisconsin pressure. The Badgers dominated the second half, earning 10 corner kicks to Baylor's three while outshooting the Bears 7-5 on target.
Wisconsin's Adee Boer and Maddie Ishaug created numerous chances, but Baylor's goalkeeper produced four crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. The Badgers controlled possession and territorial advantage throughout, yet couldn't solve the Bears' organized defensive shape.
The upset victory sends Baylor into the next round against Ohio State, while Wisconsin's championship hopes end despite their statistical dominance. For the Bears, clinical finishing and defensive resilience proved more valuable than possession statistics—a harsh but familiar lesson in knockout tournament soccer.
Baylor's game management and composure under sustained pressure demonstrated the mental fortitude required for championship runs.