Cowgirls Fall Short in Road Battle Against South Dakota State

BROOKINGS, S.D. – The Wyoming Cowgirls saw their three-game winning streak come to an end Thursday night, falling 2-0 to South Dakota State at Fishback Soccer Park.

The defeat moves Wyoming to 5-2-1 on the season, while the Jackrabbits improved to 6-1-3. It also marked the first time this fall the Cowgirls were held scoreless.

Wyoming produced plenty of chances, firing 23 total shots with nine on goal, but couldn’t break through against Jackrabbit goalkeeper Mallorie Benhart, who collected nine saves for her fourth clean sheet of the year.

South Dakota State struck first in the 40th minute when Jenna Maloy found the back of the net off a pass from Deizha Lyn Jacinto. It was the first goal the Cowgirls had conceded since August 31 against Colorado. The Jackrabbits added insurance early in the second half, capitalizing on a Wyoming own goal in the 49th minute.

The Cowgirls spread the attack across the roster. Kiley Ballek and Alyssa Glover each registered four shots, while Maddie Burr added three. Hadley Linder, Erin Dahl, and Lauren Westwood all chipped in a pair of attempts.

On the defensive side, goalkeeper Haley Bartel was tested just once, recording a single save. Her streak of three consecutive shutouts came to a close with the setback.

Wyoming will remain in the state for its next challenge, facing South Dakota on Sunday at noon

.