DeKALB | NIU women’s soccer goalie Lindsey Curnock picked up her 29th career shutout, but the Huskies were unable to pick up a win in their season finale against Western Michigan in a 0-0 draw.

And so the story of their season goes.

“We had a couple of really good chances to score, including one that nailed the crossbar,” said NIU head coach Carrie Barker. “That’s the way the season has went.”

NIU outshot the Broncos 5-1 in the first half, but Western Michigan fought back in the second half and overtime. Curnock recorded four saves to hold the Broncos (6-7-4, 3-1-2 MAC) scoreless.

It was a fitting final game for Curnock, who broke the MAC shutout record earlier this season with her 28th.

“Defensively, we played really well and we have all season,” Barker said. “I’m proud of how hard we fought.”

The inability to score has haunted the Huskies all season and resulted in NIU (5-11-3, 1-7-3 MAC) missing the MAC tournament for the first time in three years.

“At least we went out with a good effort,” Curnock said. “It’s still surreal.”

The seniors’ final game was met with mixed emotions as time expired.

“All of our parents were there to cheer us on,” said midfielder Lisa Maier. “It was really sad walking off the field and realizing it was the last time I was going to play soccer.”

Defender Micaela Damas found words of wisdom from her father to express her feelings.

“I talked to him last week about it, and he told me ‘a door has to close for another one to open,’” Damas said. “I’m just starting to think I’m no longer a college athlete.”

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