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FARGO, N.D. — Third-seeded South Dakota State clinched the Summit League Women’s Soccer Championship title for the second consecutive year, defeating fifth-seeded Oral Roberts 3-1 on Sunday at Dacotah Field. This championship marks the eighth title for the Jackrabbits, allowing them to tie with former member Oakland for the highest number of titles in league history.
The excitement at Dacotah Field ignited early when Hailee Christensen deftly deflected a clearance attempt from ORU goalkeeper Alexa Riefer into the net in the 14th minute, putting SDSU on the scoreboard. Demonstrating their offensive prowess, the Jackrabbits extended their lead just 70 seconds later, as Katelyn Buelke struck her first of two goals in the match.
With an impressive defensive performance, SDSU limited the Golden Eagles to just one shot on goal in the first half, allowing the Jackrabbits to maintain a comfortable 2-0 lead going into halftime.
As the second half began, Buelke quickly capitalized on a misplayed cross in the box, extending the lead to 3-0 in the opening moments. This brace marked her second of the season, solidifying her status as the team’s leading scorer with nine goals.
After an uphill battle, Oral Roberts managed to score their first goal in the 63rd minute when graduate student Marlee Fray found the net, finishing off an assist from Alaina Trevino.
The match concluded with the Jackrabbits boasting a 10-7 edge in total shots and proving their defensive strength by allowing only one attempt on goal during the second half.
The Jackrabbits will eagerly await the announcement of their postseason matchup, which will be revealed during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday at 3 p.m. CT, streaming live on NCAA.com.
Turning Point
- Christensen notched the opening goal by deflecting Riefer’s clearance in the 14th minute, signifying a crucial turning point in the match. Just over a minute later, she assisted Buelke in doubling the Jackrabbits’ advantage.
Inside the box score
- Christensen’s performance included a goal and an assist, marking the second three-point game of her impressive freshman season.
- Buelke achieved her brace, which registered as the 22nd all-time in Summit League Tournament history, elevating her season total to an impressive nine goals.
- Fray’s goal for ORU marked her first of the season, adding a glimmer of hope by narrowing the score to 3-1.
News & Notes
- SDSU successfully defended their title from 2023, showcasing their dominance by winning three of the last four tournaments. This victory also establishes their position as the institution with the most tournament titles among active members, tied with Oakland.
- The defeat in the tournament title match leaves ORU with a record of 2-4-3 in the history of their championship appearances.
- Historically, the Jackrabbits have proven dominant against ORU in postseason encounters, holding a 4-0-1 record and an overall advantage of 18-1-3 in matches.
All-Tournament Team
Carson Arne, Oral Roberts
Riley Baldwin, Oral Roberts
Brooklyn Bordson, South Dakota
Hailee Christensen, South Dakota State
Ella Frost, Denver
Amaya Garrett, North Dakota State
Jordan Grigsby, Oral Roberts
Katherine Jones, South Dakota State
Haley Lindaman, South Dakota State
Kaycee Manding, South Dakota State (Championship MVP)
Liv Moritz, Denver
Grace Ostergaard, Omaha
Ellie Sanchez, North Dakota State
#SummitWSOC
**Interview with South Dakota State Women’s Soccer Coach**
*Editor*: We’re here with Head Coach Roberta Smith of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits women’s soccer team following their impressive 3-1 victory over Oral Roberts in the Summit League Championship. Coach, congratulations on your back-to-back titles! How does it feel to achieve this milestone?
**Coach Smith**: Thank you! It feels absolutely incredible. Winning the championship for the second year in a row is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these players. They have really bought into our system and this victory is a reflection of their commitment.
*Editor*: The team got off to a strong start with early goals from Hailee Christensen and Katelyn Buelke. How important was that momentum in this match?
**Coach Smith**: Scoring early was crucial for us. Hailee’s goal in the 14th minute really set the tone, and Katelyn’s quick follow-up just two minutes later put us in a great position. It gave the team confidence and allowed us to control the tempo of the match.
*Editor*: Katelyn Buelke had a standout performance, scoring twice and becoming the team’s leading scorer this season. What does her contribution mean to the team?
**Coach Smith**: Katelyn has been phenomenal for us all season long. Her ability to find the back of the net when we need it most is invaluable. Beyond her scoring, she also contributes to the team’s overall confidence and energy on the field. She exemplifies what it means to be a Jackrabbit.
*Editor*: The defense was also impressive today, limiting Oral Roberts to just one shot on goal in the first half. How do you feel about the defensive effort?
**Coach Smith**: Our defense was rock solid. They communicated well and executed our game plan perfectly. Limiting our opponents’ opportunities is crucial, especially in a championship match, and I’m proud of how they stepped up today.
*Editor*: Looking ahead, what’s next for the team as you await the NCAA Selection Show?
**Coach Smith**: We’re excited to find out who we’ll face in the postseason! The Selection Show will provide us with clarity, allowing us to prepare for the challenges ahead. Regardless of who we play, we’ll keep working hard and focus on executing our game plan.
*Editor*: Thank you for your time, Coach. Best of luck in the postseason!
**Coach Smith**: Thank you! We appreciate the support!
