Western Illinois women lose to South Dakota State

MACOMB, Ill – A late goal from South Dakota State sent the Western Illinois women's soccer team to its sixth loss of the season Friday. The Jackrabbits (6-6-2, 3-2-0 Summit League) took a 2-1 lead on a goal from Courtney Higgins in the 70th minute.

The game-winner came when Steph Peterson's crossing pass was deflected in the box and Higgins knocked the ball in to the back of the net for the 2-1 lead.

South Dakota State got out to an early lead when Kayla Braffet put home a rebound in the 19th minute to put the Jackrabbits ahead 1-0.

The Leathernecks (4-6-2, 1-2-1 Summit League) would respond in the 33rd minute when Jennifer Green nailed a free kick from 45 yards out that deflected off the fingertips of Jackrabbit goalkeeper Brienna Rogers and rolled into the back of the net.

Western Illinois had a chance to take a 2-1 lead on a penalty kick in the 58th minute. Keeley Murray drilled a shot to the right side of the net, but Rogers made a diving save to keep the game deadlocked.

The Leathernecks were outshot by a 12 to 10 margin, including six to five in shots on goal. The Jacks committed 13 fouls to Western's 12 and the Leathernecks finished with four corner kicks to SDSU's three.

Laura Atkinson made four saves in her third-straight start. Western had five different players with shots on goal including Green, Miranda Graham, Keeley Murray, Nora Potempa and Laura Lins.

Western Illinois returns to action at home against North Dakota State at 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18.