Box Score SPEARFISH, S.D. – Katie Nielson scored her third goal of the season but it wasn't enough as the Black Hills State University soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision to Western State Colorado University Sunday at Ronnie Theisz Field.
The Mountaineers notched the first goal of the game in the final minute of the first half when Paige Massey took a shot from 18 yards out and knocked a rocket into the right corner. Western State then tacked on a second goal when Francesca Rand sent a long through ball to Andrea Grillo for a 2-0 lead.
In the 60th minute of action Nielson knocked her team-leading third goal of the season into the back of the net when she weaved through the Western State defensive line and beat the goalkeeper with a shot into the right side of the net.
The Yellow Jackets had two outstanding chances to score when Rose Miller hit the cross bar on a free kick from 40 yards out. The ball bounced off the bar and to the feet of Kylie Anderson where she took aim but the WSCU goalkeeper made a save on the play.
However, in the 77th minute of action, Western State struck a free kick from 30 yards out into the back of the net to push the game out of reach for the Yellow Jackets.
The loss drops the Yellow Jackets to 0-5 on the season and 0-2 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Western State improves to 3-2-1 overall and 1-0 in the loop.
Black Hills State had 10 shots on the afternoon with four on goal. Jessica Ryan attempted two shots with both landing on frame. Therese Wilhelmi had seven saves in the net for the Yellow Jackets.
The Yellow Jackets return to Ronnie Theisz field on Friday hosting New Mexico Highlands at 1 p.m. On Sunday, September 25, Black Hills State will play a home game in Rapid City, South Dakota, at Sioux Park. That game will also be 1 p.m.
