By: Clint Neumann
After opening the 2025 campaign with a 2-1 win over Mount Marty, the Sioux Falls women's soccer team (1-0) heads on the road this weekend for a pair of nonconference matchups. The Cougars will face Northwestern Oklahoma State on Friday at 11:00 a.m. before turning around to meet Nebraska Kearney on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Kearney, Neb.
Cougar Notes
USF's victory over Mount Marty marked its first season-opening win since 2017 and the first career win for head coach Joe DeMay. Mariah Siem opened the scoring with her first goal of the season in the 10th minute, while Emma Duerr netted the eventual game-winner in the 40th off a feed from Lily Dahler. Freshman Martina Krattley also notched her first collegiate point with an assist on Siem's goal.
The Cougars controlled much of the opener, outshooting Mount Marty 11-5 and generating eight shots on frame. Goalkeeper Morgan Jost picked up the win in net, recording three saves across the 90 minutes.
"This weekend represents a new test for us this season as we tackle our first weekend road trip and double fixture challenge," said DeMay. "This is a great way for us to prepare for our upcoming conference schedule, so we are excited to travel to Kearney to face two quality teams."
Scouting Northwestern Oklahoma State (2-0)
The Rangers are off to a strong start under first-year head coach Carla Briscoe, collecting wins over Eastern New Mexico (1-0) and Fort Hays State (2-1). Picked seventh in the GAC preseason poll, Northwestern Oklahoma State has already matched its win total from last season (2-9-7 in 2024).
Offensively, the Rangers have three goals across two matches, with Jenna Mills, Christi-Anne Mills and Jazelle Alvarado all notching one, while goalkeeper Taylor Annen has been a standout with 16 saves and a 0.50 goals-against average including one shutout.
Scouting Nebraska Kearney (0-2)
The Lopers opened the season with losses to Concordia-St. Paul (1-0) and MSU Moorhead (2-0). Picked eighth in the MIAA preseason poll, UNK is looking to rebound from an 8-6-5 campaign last fall that included a return to the conference tournament for the first time in nine years.
UNK's veteran roster includes 16 upperclassmen. Senior forward Hanna Schimmer, an All-Region honoree, leads the attack and has already registered a team-high 13 shots. Fellow All-MIAA players Keila Gillispie, Mia Lang, and Daniella Iaquinta round out a seasoned core. In goal, Susie Bovaird owns a 0.82 GAA and .909 save percentage through two matches.
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