BRENDAN KING | STAFF REPORTER
The Butler women’s soccer team wrapped up the regular season Saturday as the Bulldogs (11-6-2, 4-5-0 Big East) traveled to Marquette to face the Golden Eagles.
Marquette pulled out a 2-1 victory, and Butler will now prepare for the Big East Conference tournament.
Butler finished in fifth place in the Big East standings. The team’s first opponent in the tournament has yet to be determined, but the Bulldogs will play Tuesday.
On Saturday, Marquette finished an undefeated Big East season by defeating Butler. The Golden Eagles posted a 16-3-0 overall record.
The game-winning goal for Marquette was scored by freshman forward Ashley Handwork in the 81st minute.
Marquette held Butler to four shots, two of them on goal. Marquette fired 22 shots, including seven on net.
Early in the game, Marquette took control with a goal from senior midfielder Maegan Kelly. Kelly caught the ball on a cross in the right corner and took it to the net.
Late in the first half, Marquette had three opportunities to score a goal, but Butler senior goalkeeper Julie Burton turned away all three.
There was no scoring in the second half until the 81st minute, when Handwork scored her goal to put Marquette up 2-0.
Butler tried to start a rally in the 85th minute when junior forward Elise Kotsakis pulled Butler to within one with a header goal.
