WASHINGTON, D.C. ? Kellyn Farrell netted the game-winning goal in the 74th minute as the South Dakota State University women's soccer team won the United Soccer Conference tournament Sunday morning.
Farrell gave the Jackrabbits the 1-0 advantage in the match, heading the ball into the back of the net off an assist by Kelsey Worcester. The goal was Farrell's fifth of the season and third of the tournament.
“The thing that I am most proud of is that in the middle of the year when things weren't going our way, the girls on the team stayed positive, worked very hard and climbed their way back to where they belong,” said head coach
Lang Wedemeyer, who has directed the program since its inception in 2000.
South Dakota State outshot the Bison 12-10 for the contest, including a 7-2 advantage in the second half. Farrell paced the Jackrabbit offense with four shot attempts for the match, while Natasha Swift chipped in with two. The Jacks also held an 5-3 advantage in corner kicks for the contest.
The shutout marked the eighth time this season the Jackrabbits have held an opponent scoreless for a match and the 11th contest in 13 games SDSU has held an opponent off the scoreboard for a half. South Dakota State ended the year by posting six shutouts in its last eight contests.
Sophomore Nicole Lograsso, who did not allow a goal during regulation for the tournament, made six stops on the day, while Monica Morgan recorded seven.
The win over NDSU was the Jackrabbits first win against the Bison since 2001. The victory also marked the Jackrabbits first conference championship.
With the win, the Jacks finished the season with an 8-9-3 record, while NDSU moved to 13-7-1 overall. South Dakota State ended the year going 4-0-1 in its last five matches.