The Northwestern Wildcats showed some bright spots in their loss in the Chicago Cup title match against the DePaul Blue Demons. After losing some key seniors, Northwestern was unable to find the net on some good shot attempts, falling in the exhibition match by a final score of 1-0.

Northwestern had advanced to the title game after defeating the University of Illinois-Chicago back on April 8. UIC faced off in the third-place match earlier against Loyola-Chicago.

The Wildcats should be excited for next year. They were receiving votes in polls at the end of the year, and nearly knocked off eventual national runner-up UCLA in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Northwestern had a new face in goal, as Molly Lansford played well for the Wildcats. The junior has not seen action in a regular season match, having to play behind talented goalie Lauren Clem for three years. But with Clem’s graduation, Lansford is expected to step in her place next season.

There was no score by either team in the first half but both teams were playing up tempo. Both teams had opportunities, with good shots and saves by both goalies.

In the second half, DePaul got on the board in the 65^th minute. The Blue Demons got a quick steal, pass and fired a rocket into the goal for the only score of the game.

Olivia Korhonen had an opportunity earlier in the second half, but the junior’s shot was saved by a diving DePaul goalie.

Northwestern had one last chance at tying the game in the final minute. Regan Steigleder had an open look, but the first year put the ball just over the net, and the whistle blew shortly thereafter.

The Wildcats will have the annual Alumni Game on Sunday and a pair of additional exhibition matches against Notre Dame and Milwaukee to round out the spring schedule.