BILLINGS, Mont. – Mikayla Hernandez scored a hattrick, but the Black Hills State University women's soccer team fell to the University of Mary, 5-3, on Thursday afternoon.
"We definietely tried to create more offense this game, which was positive," said Hernandez. "It's all about effort, so we can fix that. We need to keep giving effort and moving forward. We'll be fine."
Mary (1-0) was in control in the first half, going up 3-0, and leading 11-1 in shots.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, the Marauders led BHSU (0-4), 4-0. Mikayla Hernandez received the ball from Rose Miller outside of the box on the left side. She let it fly, with the ball hitting the upper net just over the fingers of the goalie. The goal was the first of the season for BHSU and Hernandez, and also the first of the sophomore's career.
Mary responded with a goal of its own in the 65th minute, but the Yellow Jackets, and Hernandez got on the board again in the 73rd minute. Three minutes later, Hernandez completed her hattrick, this time scoring from a free kick at the top of the box, and bringing BHSU within two, 5-3. Mary was able to stave off the Yellow Jackets in the final 15 minutes.
The Marauders outshot the Yellow Jackets, 22-5. Rose Miller had two assists for BHSU. Zoe Baldwin (0-2) played all 90 minutes in net, allowing five goals and making five saves.
Caylin Cathey, Lisa Swardh, Jade Smith, and Hannah Richter (2) scored for Mary.
"It's definitely not the result that we wanted going into the game, but it's positive compared to the previous games," said sophomore Alexandria Lisenbe. "With more hard work and practice, we'll see better results in the RMAC."
BHSU is remains in Billings to take on Montana State University Billings on Saturday, September 8. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m.
###
Black Hills State is located in the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota, sponsoring 13 NCAA sports with membership in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the NCAA emerging sport of women's triathlon and NIRA rodeo. For all information regarding Yellow Jacket Athletics, please visit BHSUAthletics.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @BHSUAthletics.
---BHSUAthletics.com---
