Both UW-Superior soccer teams were announced as the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference champions on home soil in 2023, with the men’s team edging past Bethany Lutheran courtesy of Karsten Kletti’s lone goal, and a dominant 3-0 performance for the women’s team against the University of Northwestern-St. Paul.
The men’s seventh straight UMAC championship earned them a ticket to the NCAA tournament, where they traveled to Rolf Melby Field, home of St. Olaf College Oles.
The Yellowjackets came into the game with six straight wins, and they were eager to continue that momentum and advance to the next round. Despite giving up the first goal, the men’s side remained resolute in their fight for a spot in the next round, with junior Josh Bellamy equalizing from the spot to make it all-square in the first half, securing his 10th goal of the season.
Less than a minute later, the Oles restored their lead, before scoring five more unanswered goals to end the hopes of advancing for the Yellowjackets squad with the 7-1 victory going to the home team. 
“Of course, it was great to score in the national tournament. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result we wanted on the day, and that hurt a lot for me,” said Bellamy. “Losing the way we did made the team want it that much more next year and prove that we are better than we showed; we have unfinished business.”
Despite the disappointing loss, men’s head coach Joe Mooney was optimistic for next year, and tried to take some positives from the outcome.
“Obviously as I look back, this result is not a reflection of the season. We had a lot of really good results, a good work ethic, and the chemistry is great in this team throughout. We were drawn against a great side, and it felt like anything that could go wrong, did. I’m proud of our guys for not letting this define our season – we will learn from this,” said Mooney.
The UW-Superior women’s team remained in-state for their first-round bout against UW-La Crosse a former rival from Superior’s time in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
“We were really nervous about being the underdogs going up against a nationally ranked team, but I think it really lit a fire under us,” said Emma Fornengo, junior for the women’s team.
The women’s side endured a hostile environment in their away match to UW-La Crosse. A goal by Ellie Behnke in the 33rd minute separated the teams at half time, putting the Eagles ahead. Despite a late push from the Yellowjackets, it wasn’t enough to force extra time against the Eagles, and the game finished 1-0, with UWS bowing out in the first round of the NCAA tournament in 2023.
Yellowjacket goalkeeper Quinn Clark received lots of praise for arguably her strongest match for the women’s soccer program. She finished the day with 18 saves, keeping the game to a one-goal margin.
“Even though the outcome wasn’t a win, I’m still extremely proud of how everyone played,” said Clark.
UW-Lacrosse had 42 shots throughout the game, with 19 on frame.
“It was all thanks to our collaborative defensive shape. It made my job so much easier, so I think they deserve the credit!”
