Box Score NEWARK, N.J. -- The University of South Dakota women's soccer team battled to a 0-0 halftime tie Friday, but Howard University scored twice in the second half to eliminate the Coyotes, 2-0, in the opening round of the Great West Conference Championship Friday in Newark, N.J.

The Coyotes ended the season with a 4-12-1 record.

The first half was played evenly, leading to a 0-0 halftime time. Howard had 13 shots, compared to 10 for USD. Jennifer Ogren (Jr., Raymore, Mo.) had six saves to help keep Howard off the board.

The Bison got on the board just 4:02 into the second half with Retha Koefoed scoring on a penalty kick.

The game stayed a 1-0 until the 84:29 mark when Koefoed scored her second goal, putting Howard up 2-0.

"It was a good game and we fought until the end," said USD head coach Marcia Oliveira. "We created few opportunities in the first half and made adjustments in the second that gave us more options. Unfortunately we allowed a penalty kick and later allowed another goal that made us rush our attack. Overall the work level we had and the type of experience in the playoffs will help the development of our transitioning Division I program. Howard University did well and our opportunity will come in the future."

Ogren finished with 10 saves in net for USD. Erin Bello (RFr., Fort Collins, Colo.) had four shots, including three on goal, while Katie Quinones (Jr., Rochester, Minn.) and Sarah Wheeler (Jr., Duluth, Minn.) had three each. Rachel Greene (Fr., Onalaska, Wis.) had two shots on goal.

Chanel Bell had seven saves to preserve the shutout for Howard (5-10-2).

It was the final game as a Coyote for senior Katie Whithorn (Omaha, Neb.), a valuable contributor as a defender for four seasons for USD.