VERMILLION, S.D.—Utah Tech forward Brynlee Rider scored two goals including the go-ahead score 14 minutes into the second half to lead the Trailblazers to a 3-1 win against South Dakota Thursday at First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex in the season opener for both teams.
 
Both teams scored in the fourth minute of action. Rider deflected a cross from Emily Garbett near the right post for an early strike and a 1-0 lead. The Coyotes countered moments later when Shaylee Gailus headed in a corner kick off the foot of Izzy Quintavalle to level the score at 1-1.
 
It was the 14^th career goal for Gailus, a fifth-year senior playing in her 71^st game. Quintavalle earned her first collegiate assist.
 
"Izzy played in such a great ball on our goal and Shay got up and attacked it," USD head coach Michael Thomas said. "I was really proud of our effort tonight. I told the team 'if we can come out and play with this energy every game, I think we're going to have a successful season.'"
 
Possession was equal throughout the contest, but Rider was the difference. Her teammate, Lacy Fox, fed her a brilliant pass to ignite a 1v1 opportunity and Rider beat goalkeeper Caroline Lewis with a shot from the left side of the box to the right corner of the net.
 
Utah Tech substitute Kearney Hoggan finished the scoring in the 85^th minute. A shot from teammate Mauri Ashman near the top of the box found Hoggan's foot and Hoggan spun and fired into the net for the final tally.
 
"We played five freshmen tonight and we need to continue to grow and continue to believe in who we are no matter what the result is," Thomas said. "I thought the fans were treated to a really good soccer game."
 
South Dakota continues play at home Saturday with a 6 p.m. match against Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds opened their season Thursday with an evening match at Omaha.