VERMILLION, S.D. – The South Dakota Coyotes women's soccer team kicked off Summit League action with a commanding 2-0 win over St. Thomas on Sunday afternoon. 

The Coyotes dominated offensively, firing off 22 total shots, including nine on target, while limiting the Tommies to just five shots. Gabbie Ryan and Ashby Johnston both tallied their first goals of the season to lift USD to its fifth win of the year. 

The opening half was a tightly contested battle of possession and chances, but the breakthrough came in the 40th minute. Ryan found the back of the net off a well-placed corner kick from Sadie Strait, sending the Coyotes into halftime with a 1-0 lead. 

South Dakota came out strong in the second half, outshooting the Tommies 16-2. Ryan appeared to score her second of the day early in the half, but the goal was disallowed due to an offsides call upon review. 

The nail in the coffin came in the 82nd minute, when Johnston capitalized on her opportunity to seal the 2-0 victory for the Coyotes. 

Goalkeeper Campbell Fischer earned the clean sheet, making two saves in the shutout effort. 

South Dakota remains at home this week, hosting North Dakota State on Thursday at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Sunday matchup with North Dakota at 1:00 p.m. 

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