BROOKINGS, S.D. – The Washington State women’s soccer team lost to the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, 3-0, Thursday evening at Fishback Soccer Park, in their first road match of the season. The Cougars trailed from the 14th minute after SDSU converted a penalty kick, adding a second goal before halftime, and a third goal in the final three minutes.
In WSU’s first trip to South Dakota, the Cougars found limited attacking opportunities, finishing with seven total shots and a pair of attempts on target. With limited opportunities in the attacking third, the Jackrabbits benefited from a 14th-minute coach-initiated challenge for video review, new to collegiate soccer this season. SDSU was awarded the penalty and took an early lead at home with a chunked shot past Sidney Venier, diving the opposite direction. The goal was the only shot through the first 30 minutes of the match for either side.
Shortly after the half-hour mark, WSU Coach Chris Citowicki initiated a coach’s challenge for a tackle at the top of the box, earning the Cougars a penalty shot in the 31st minute. Maycen Slater stepped to the spot but pushed the powerful attempt a foot wide right of the post. Fewer than 60 seconds later, South Dakota State doubled its lead.
“We started fine and it was playing out as an even game,” Coach Citowicki said postgame. “We responded well to their penalty kick and earned one of our own. That was the momentum swing – we miss ours and they score a great goal a few minutes later.”
Wazzu defended following its penalty attempt, clearing the ball out of its defensive third, but only so far as the Jacks’ midfield. SDSU’s Lauren Eckerle took one touch to set her shot up, striking the ball from 30 yards out. The shot curled back toward the near post, floating up to ricocheted off the underside of the crossbar and in over an outstretched Venier.
“Halftime adjustments created some looks, but at the end of the day, it was not enough,” Citowicki said. “There is a reason they have only lost three games at home in the past three years.”
Just under 10 minutes into the second half, junior Emma Widmor delivered the Cougars’ first shot on target, forcing the Jacks’ goalkeeper to a save down the middle. Delanie Corcoran followed with a similar attempt in the 65th minute. South Dakota State scored the insurance goal in the 88th minute with the Cougars throwing attackers up the pitch.
WSU returns to action Sunday, August 23, at North Dakota State. The Cougars and Bison are scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m. PT (1 p.m. CT) with coverage on the Summit League Network.
Cougar soccer single-match and season tickets are on sale now at wsucougars.com. Follow WSU soccer on social media and stay up to date on Cougar news, on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
Postgame Notes
- Taylie Nowels made her first start at Washington State, earning her first WSU minutes
- All 10 transfers from Citowicki’s 2025 Montana team have earned playing time this season
- WSU conceded a goal from the penalty spot for the second-consecutive match
- The Cougars were held scoreless for the second time this season and the first time on the road