VERMILLION, S.D. — Three goals in just over four minutes powered South Dakota to a 3-0 victory over Morningside Sunday afternoon at the First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex in the Coyotes' 2026 home opener.
After a scoreless opening half, the Coyotes broke through in the 48th minute when Sam Luft converted a penalty kick at 47:31 for her second career goal.
South Dakota doubled its lead just 2:03 later when Sadie Strait scored her first collegiate goal, finishing a combination from Brooke Conway and Kiah Pieters. Another 2:06 later, Conway found the back of the net off an assist from Strait to complete the three-goal run.
The three goals came in just 4:09, falling 1:03 shy of the program record of 3:06, set by Angela O'Loughlin, Sarah Halbach and Ashley Ervin against Southwest Minnesota State on Sept. 8, 2006, for the fastest three-goal stretch in program history.
South Dakota dominated possession and chances throughout the afternoon, outshooting Morningside 36-1 and putting 15 shots on target compared to one for the Mustangs. The Coyotes also held a commanding 17-2 advantage in corner kicks.
Cambell Fischer made one save across 69:57 in goal before Sam Mattes played the final 20:03 to complete the shutout. The clean sheet marked South Dakota's second of the season.
Sunday's victory moved the Coyotes to 2-1-1 on the season and capped the opening weekend at home on a high note.
South Dakota returns to the road this week for a pair of matches, opening Thursday, Aug. 27, at 8 p.m. CT against Northern Colorado before traveling to Wyoming for an 11:30 a.m. CT matchup Sunday, Aug. 30.
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