DULUTH, Minn. – Sioux Falls opened NSIC play on the road Friday evening, falling 5-1 to Minnesota Duluth at James S. Malosky Stadium.

THE BASICS

Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
Score: Minnesota Duluth 5, Sioux Falls 1
Records: USF 2-2-0 (0-1-0 NSIC), UMD 2-1-1 (1-0-0 NSIC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Bulldogs started with intensity and struck in bunches, building a 4-0 first-half lead behind two goals each from Kaitlyn Beavers and Elaina Shromoff. Shromoff completed her hat trick early in the second half to stretch the margin to 5-0.

Head coach Joe DeMay noted the impact of the early goals: "Duluth came out with a point to prove and we stood up to them initially, but once the first goal went in we lost some composure and some of the work rate and intelligence that helped us start the game strong."

The Cougars responded after the break, settling into more consistent play and creating attacking moments. That pressure paid off in the 63rd minute when Addison Van Zee sent a shot off sliding Bulldog defender that crossed the goal, accounting for Van Zee's second goal of the season. DeMay emphasized the importance of that stretch: "I loved the resolve to play a strong second half, but we cannot spot teams a four-goal lead going into halftime and expect any success this season. We needed a second half like that to move forward, but we are going to all have to work to put that kind of performance in for 90 minutes Sunday."

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Shots: UMD 15, USF 2

• Shots on Goal: UMD 8, USF 1

• Saves: USF 3 (Jost), UMD 1 (Chavez)

• Corners: UMD 6, USF 0

• Fouls: UMD 7, USF 4

UP NEXT

The Cougars continue their northern road swing on Sunday, September 21, with a visit to Bemidji State at Chet Anderson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

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