Box Score Box score 
Oct. 19, 2012
Final Stats
Bello leads South Dakota to 3-2 win
FARGO, N.D.— South Dakota senior Erin Bello (Fort Collins, Colo.) came up huge in her final game against rival North Dakota State, scoring one goal and adding two assists to lead the Coyotes (2-11-3, 1-4-1 Summit League) to a 3-2 win in Fargo.
Bello saved her best for last, breaking a 2-2 tie with a goal in the 78th minute off an assist from Rebecca Sparkman (Eden Prairie, Minn.). The goal was her third of the season.
“It was a good ball in,” said Bello. “I just tried to get in there before their keeper came out. I slid in and hit the ball before her and heard everyone cheering and looked up and saw the ball in the net.”
With 20 minutes remaining in the contest Bello found Lauren Bennett (Walton, Ky.) to give South Dakota a 2-2 tie. Eight minutes later Bello added the game-winning goal.
Earlier in the match Bello twice set up teammates for scores to dig USD from one goal deficits. She struck a free kick off the crossbar 26 minutes into the game, but the ball ricocheted to Sparkman who was able to finish the play and for her team’s first goal.
“We did a better job creating more opportunities to score goals,” said Bello. “Their keeper stayed pretty far off the line so we definitely looked to shoot and find those chances early and tonight we were able to capitalize on them.”
It was also a big night for goalkeeper Jen Shaefer (Cary, N.C.), who made eight saves, a career-high.
“We started the game with good energy,” said head coach Mandy Green. “We executed more consistently, finished our chances and closed the game out. I am proud of this team right now. We’ve had a tough season and the girls could have shut down so easily, but they continued to work hard and fight to win and tonight things finally fell into place for us.”
Anisha Kinnarath and Shannon Brooks netted goals for North Dakota State (6-9, 3-3 Summit League).
The Coyotes look to continue their winning ways against South Dakota State Sunday. Game time is 1 p.m. in Brookings.
