VERMILLION, S.D. — South Dakota women's soccer closed out its two-match homestand in style Sunday, defeating Drake 2-0 at First Bank & Trust Soccer Complex on Senior Day. The Coyotes earned their third win of the season while handing the Bulldogs, the Missouri Valley Conference preseason favorite, their third loss of the season.
The Coyotes improved to 3-3-2 on the season with the victory, while Drake fell to 5-3-0.
Senior Day was made even more special for Kiah Pieters and Brooke Conway, who were honored prior to Sunday's match. Both seniors started and helped the Coyotes secure the shutout in their final regular-season home match.
South Dakota wasted little time establishing pressure, recording eight shots in the opening half compared to five from the Bulldogs. The Coyotes broke through in the 23rd minute when Klarissa Vega found the back of the net for her first goal of the match.
Vega's goal came at the 22:22 mark with assists from Kinsley Pesicka and Taylor Mulligan. Pesicka and Mulligan combined to set up Vega, giving South Dakota a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
The Coyotes continued to apply pressure after the break, eventually doubling their lead in the 56th minute.
Freshman Brooklynn Pollmiller scored her first career goal at the 55:51 mark, putting South Dakota ahead 2-0. The goal marked Pollmiller's first collegiate point and provided an important insurance goal for the Coyotes.
South Dakota's defense and goalkeeper Cambell Fischer took care of the rest. Fischer recorded five saves while earning her third shutout of the season as the Coyotes held Drake scoreless for all 90 minutes.
Vega led the Coyotes with seven shots and two shots on goal, while Pollmiller finished with one shot and one goal. Pesicka and Mulligan each recorded an assist in the victory.
With the win, South Dakota has now earned three victories through its first eight matches, closing out the non-conference portion of the season.
The Coyotes will now look ahead to September 24th for their first conference game of the season at home against South Dakota State.
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