TULSA, Okla. -- Third-seeded South Dakota State blanked top-seeded Oral Roberts 2-0 on Sunday at Case Soccer Complex to capture its third consecutive Summit League Women’s Soccer Championship title. The victory marked the Jackrabbits’ ninth tournament crown, the most in league history.
The Jackrabbits picked up right where they left off against the Golden Eagles two weeks ago, controlling possession early in the match. Freshman Jenna Maloy nearly put SDSU on the board in the fifth minute, firing a shot from the top of the box that rattled off the crossbar before an ORU defender cleared it away.
Four minutes later, South Dakota State’s pressure proved too much as the Jacks broke through when Mia Bosch delivered her ninth assist of the season to the left side of the penalty box where junior Ellie Gusman fired a perfect shot and eventual game-winner into the top-left corner to give SDSU a 1-0 lead.
ORU created its best chance of the first half in the 20
th minute when Genesis Helsley’s shot was blocked by SDSU’s Mallorie Benhart and deflected straight to Brianna Castleberry, who found the back of the net, but the goal was waved off after video review due to an offside call.
Both defenses tightened up for the remainder of the first half as SDSU would take the 1-0 advantage into the locker room.
With less than 18 minutes to play, South Dakota State added an insurance goal as Hailee Christensen fed Adrianne Agbayani on the break, who then finished the through ball to extend the Jackrabbits’ lead to 2-0.
Oral Roberts’ powerful offense was stifled by the Jackrabbit back line in the second half as the Golden Eagles were unable to find their first shot attempt until the 87
th minute.
ORU was limited to five shots and four corner attempts by the Jackrabbits' who won their second straight crown as the No. 3 seed.
The Jackrabbits will find out their postseason matchup Monday during the NCAA Selection Show that will be streamed live on NCAA.com at 3 p.m. CT.
Turning Point
- In the ninth minute, Bosch sent a perfect pass to Gusman, who buried it in the top-left corner for the game’s opening goal and the eventual game-winner as the Jacks never trailed from there.
Inside the box score
- South Dakota State outshot Oral Roberts 8-5 despite the Golden Eagles holding a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal.
- SDSU’s Benhart finished the match with four saves and recorded her ninth shutout of the season.
- Both Gusman and Agbayani scored their third goals of the season in the win.
News & Notes
- SDSU defended its title from 2023 and 2024 to complete the three-peat and win their third consecutive tournament title.
- The title marks the programs ninth overall, which is the most in Summit League history.
- Benhart completed the tournament sweep, allowing zero goals and recording three clean sheets.
- The Golden Eagles have fallen to the Jackrabbits in the tournament title match for the second year in a row, dropping last season’s contest 3-1.
- Oral Roberts remains winless against South Dakota State since 2015 when they won 3-2.
- South Dakota State won its fourth straight tournament title as the No. 3 seed, holding an 8-0-3 record.
- The Jackrabbits are now 5-0-1 all-time against ORU in postseason play and own an 20-1-3 advantage in overall matches.
All-Tournament Team
Mallorie Benhart, South Dakota State
Lauren Eckerle, South Dakota State (Tournament MVP)
Marlee Fort, Oral Roberts
Ellie Gusman, South Dakota State
Genesis Helsley, Oral Roberts
Addie LaRock, Omaha
Sam Luft, South Dakota
Haley Nichols, Oral Roberts
Anika Patton, Kansas City
Olivia Platt, Kansas City
Hannah Tate, Denver
Emma Thielbahr, Denver
Lauren Walter, South Dakota State
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