By Bryan Bloodworth

NORMAL – Michigan will be the first-round opponent for Illinois State’s women’s soccer team Saturday night in a NCAA Tournament match in Ann Arbor.

The Redbirds take a 14-5 and a school-record match winning streak into the action. The Wolverines have a 10-5-1 record.

“They’re a great opponent with a storied history and it’s a well-coached and talented team,” said ISU coach Eric Golz. “It’s a team that’s done fairly well and fairly consistent throughout the year. They’ve obviously gone through the wringer in the Big Ten schedule.  It will be a difficult opponent for us and an opportunity we look forward to.”

ISU senior defender Paige Jarsombeck, the Valley’s top defensive player, said the Redbirds are happy with their first-round foe.

“We had no idea who we were going to play, so this game is going to be great for us and I think we can definitely win,” said Jarsombeck.

Meanwhile, fellow ISU senior Lauren Koehl, the Valley’s Player of the Year, said it’s a match the Redbirds are looking forward to.

“It’s definitely going to be a battle,” she said. “We go in saying we have nothing to lose, so why not be the best that we can.”

The time of the match has not been announced.

Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at [email protected]