by Owen Godberson, MavRadio.FM sports director
BROOKINGS, SD- Going in to Thursday’s Summit League semi-final, South Dakota State University had conceded just three goals in conference play all season. They were riding high off as junior Maggie Smither was named the conference’s Best Goalkeeper alongside senior Annie Williams, who was named Summit League Defensive Player of the Year.
That didn’t faze Omaha, as the Mavericks came into Thursday’s match with heads held high, ready to face the top-seeded host in the opening round of this year’s conference tournament and in their debut match in the conference tournament.
The Mavs opened the scoring in the tenth minute when sophomore Bailey Cascio nut-megged Smither off a cross from freshman Brylie Meyer. This was Cascio’s fifth goal this campaign.
Twenty minutes later, junior Taylor Gelling launched a cross into the penalty area which was finished off by a Cascio header to double Omaha’s advantage.
Omaha Coach Tim Walters had to make a change at halftime after senior Susie Dineen went off with an apparent foot injury, leading the Maverick head coach to bring on junior Mallory Edwards who had only played 11 minutes in the regular season.
The Jackrabbits halved the deficit early in the second half when Leah Manuleleua held up play long enough for Carina McLennan to arrive and finish the chance in the 50th minute of the match.
After the SDSU goal, Omaha bunkered in. Led by a great performance by junior goalkeeper Erin Bunker, they were able to withstand 39 minutes of pressure until Bailey Cascio was able to complete her hat trick in the ninetieth minute off of the assist from freshman Kiana Dualan.
The Mavericks put on an inspired performance in front of their passionate traveling supporters, handing SDSU their first home loss against Summit League opposition since 2016.
The 3-1 victory secured a spot in the championship game on Saturday, where they will take on the winner of the other semifinal match between North Dakota State and Denver.
