The Game
After nearly two weeks off from competition, the South Dakota women's soccer team is back on the pitch on Saturday as they begin their quest to a third straight Summit League Tournament appearance. The conference slate begins at in-state rival South Dakota State on Saturday night at 6 pm. The game will be streamed live on South Dakota State's website with live stats available as well.

The Series
The Jackrabbits lead the all-time series 8-6-2, but South Dakota has earned bragging rights since the last time these two teams met. On a cold afternoon in October 2021, the Coyotes emerged victorious in a 2-1 win over SDSU. Joana Zanin opened the scoring in the first half after a free-kick ball redirected towards her standing at the top of the box. After the Jacks had tied the match early in the second half, Jordan Centineo scored the game-winning goal with a minute to go in the contest to give USD the victory. The Coyotes tied the Jacks in their last meeting in Brookings in the 2020-21 season.

The Coyotes
South Dakota closed out the non-conference portion by earning a draw at Iowa State on September 11 and entering conference play at 1-5-3. Shaylee Gailus led the Coyotes with three goals and an assist in the first nine games of the season. Taylor Cotter, Taylor Ravelo, Lexie Wood, and Zanin earned two goals each as well. Caroline Lewis started all nine games between the pipes for South Dakota. Lewis recorded 34 saves so far and owns a 68 percent save percentage.

The Coyotes were picked fourth in this season's preseason poll after qualifying for the 2021 Summit League Tournament. The Summit League has also announced a new format for the conference tournament. The tournament consists of six teams now and will take place over the course of two weekends.

The Jacks
South Dakota State enters Saturday's match with an undefeated record of 6-0-3. Their most recent victory came in a 2-0 shutout of Kansas State in Brookings last Sunday. The Jacks are currently in the midst of a seven-game homestand with Saturday's game being the fourth of the homestand.

As a team, the Jacks are outscoring their opponents 16-5 and have 17 more assists than their opponents as well. 2021 All-Summit League First Team and Summit League Player to Watch Maya Hansen has recorded five goals and five assists this far. Co-Summit League Player to Watch Cece Limongi ranks second on the team with three goals and seven points in 2022. Reigning Summit League Goalkeeper of the Year Jocelyn Tanner has shared time in the net with Hailee Fischer for South Dakota State. She has allowed two goals and recorded 14 saves in nine games played this year.
 
One Last Thing
This is the first time in series history that these two rivals will meet to open the conference schedule.