VERMILLION, S.D. — South Dakota women's soccer closes out the Summit League regular season this week with a pair of home matches at First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex. The Coyotes host North Dakota State on Thursday at 6 p.m. before welcoming North Dakota on Sunday at 1 p.m. Both matches will stream on the Summit League Network. 

With the regular season coming to a close, the Coyotes will look to finish strong and secure the highest possible seed in Pod A heading into the Summit League Championship. South Dakota enters the week in second place in Pod A and third overall in the conference standings with a 3-2-3 league record. 

The Coyotes sit two points behind South Dakota State for first place in Pod A and one point ahead of North Dakota State. The final standings will determine the postseason matchups, with the Pod A winner earning a first-round bye and the second- and third-place teams in opposite pods competing in the quarterfinals. 

SCOUTING THE BISON 

North Dakota State enters Thursday's matchup with a 3-3-2 Summit League record and 11 conference points, sitting third in Pod A and just one point behind South Dakota. The Bison have won their last two matches and hold a 5-6-6 overall record. 

Morgan Russmann leads the Bison offensively with seven goals and three assists. North Dakota State has scored nine goals in conference play while allowing nine. 

Thursday's matchup carries significant postseason implications, as both teams look to improve their position in Pod A heading into the Summit League Championship. 

SCOUTING THE HAWKS 

North Dakota enters the final week with a 2-5-1 conference record and seven points, sitting fourth in Pod A. The Fighting Hawks are looking to climb the standings and keep their postseason hopes alive. North Dakota will face South Dakota State on Thursday before traveling to Vermillion for Sunday's matchup. 

Cora Ellermann leads the Fighting Hawks with seven goals and two assists. She has recorded 27 shots this season, with 14 on target. North Dakota enters the week with a 5-8-2 overall record and will look to finish the regular season on a strong note. 

COYOTES TO WATCH 

Klarissa Vega (#3) 

Vega enters the final week leading the Coyotes in goals, assists, shots and shots on goal. The redshirt sophomore continues to build on a standout 2025 campaign in which she earned Summit League Newcomer of the Year honors and was named to the All-Summit League Second Team. 

Brooke Conway (#11) 

Conway has been a key part of the Coyote attack this season, recording four goals and 43 shots. The senior has matched her career high for goals in a season, previously reaching four during her freshman campaign. 

Kinsley Pesicka (#23) 

Pesicka has made an immediate impact in her first collegiate season, totaling three goals and three assists. The freshman has appeared in all 16 matches this season, including 11 starts. 

Cambell Fischer (#1) 

Fischer enters the final week with six shutouts, putting her within reach of the program's single-season record of seven. The redshirt junior needs one more shutout to tie the record and two to set a new mark. With at least two matches remaining, Fischer will look to make history during the Coyotes' final week of regular-season play. 

HOW TO WATCH 

Both matches will be streamed on the Summit League Network on Midco Sports Plus. 

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