SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Back Hills State University women's soccer team will face their first nationally-ranked opponent of the 2024 season on Friday morning when they face the reigning national runners-up, No. 20 Washburn. The Yellow Jackets and Ichabods are slated to match-up in the first of four matches in the Nebraska-Kearney Soccer Invite, kicking-off at 10 a.m. MT at Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field in Kearney, Nebraska.
 
GAME DETAILS
Date & Time: Friday, September 20 at 10 a.m. MT / 11 AM CT
Location: Kearney, Neb. – Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field
 
BLACK HILLS STATE STORYLINES

• Black Hills State enters Friday's neutral site contest with a record of 0-2-2 following a 0-0 draw with Minnesota Crookston on Sunday in Spearfish.
• In the scoreless draw with the Golden Eagles, the Yellow Jackets put together one of the top defensive performances in program history as they allowed the fewest shot attempts (3) and shots on goal (1) in a match in addition to having the largest positive differential in shots in program history (23-3).
• BHSU has recorded 46 shots, 19 shots on goal, eight corner kicks, and 15 saves. On the other hand, their opponents have notched eight goals, five assists, 53 shots, 23 shots on goal, 21 corner kicks, and 19 saves.
• Leading the offensive attack for the Green & Gold is Whitney Hansen and Hailey Warren who have tallied six and five shot attempts this year. Warren is one of three players who have placed three of their shot attempts on target, joined by Bailey Smith and Katy Vinton.
• Spearheaded by Allie Brown who has played in 62 matches while making 53 starts during her career, the Black Hills State back line has recorded two shutouts this season against Carroll and Minnesota Crookston. The pair of clean sheets is already tied for the second most in a single season in program history, matching 2019 and is only two shy of the school record mark of four set in 2023.
• While Brown has played the full 360 minutes of action this year, other notable defenders include Ainsley Wilson and Bria Sargent who have recorded 330 and 198 minutes of playing time respectively thus far in 2024.
• In goal this season, both Makayla Dannelly and Zoe Wiggall have each played in and started a pair of matches, while Allanah Facio has made one appearance. Dannelly has made a team-high nine saves while notching a 1.50 goals against average and recorded a shutout against CC, while Wiggall has made six saves with a 3.33 goals against average and combined for a shutout against UMC with Facio.
• John Hutchison is in his second season as the head coach of the Yellow Jackets.

#20 WASHBURN STORYLINES

• Washburn enters Friday's neutral site contest with a record of 2-2 following a pair of shutout victories on the road at Southwest Minnesota State (2-0) and Wayne State (1-0).
• In their previous two victories over the Mustangs and Wildcats, the Ichabods have out-shot their opponents by a margin of 28-9 and held an advantage of 16-1 on corner kick attempts.
• Following a 21-4-1 (9-1-1 MIAA) mark a year ago where they advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game, WU is slated to once again be a contender as they are picked to defend their title with the top spot in the MIAA Women's Soccer Preseason Poll.
• Washburn is currently ranked No. 20 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Top-25.
• During the 2024 season the Ichabods have recorded four goals, two assists, 52 shots, 19 shots on goal, 30 corner kicks, and nine saves. On the other hand, their opponents have notched four goals, two assists, 18 shots, 13 shots on goal, five corner kicks, and 15 saves.
• Four different players have found the back of the net this season for WU, including Belle Kennedy, Cloe Quintana, Khloe Schuckman, and Riley Wells, while Presslee Amick and Ana Muruzabal have each recorded one assist.
• Leading the WU defense is Jordan Tenpas who has played a total of 322 minutes so far in 2024. Other players on the back line to watch include Josie Boyle and Lakin Rold who have notched 308 and 289 minutes of playing time respectively.
• In goal for Washburn will be Hailey Beck who has played in and started all four contests this year, tallying nine saves while allowing a 1.00 goals against average. Additionally, she owns a pair of shutouts on the young season.
• Davy Phillips is in his seventh season as the head coach at Washburn.

SERIES HISTORY

• Friday will mark the first-ever meeting on the pitch between Black Hills State and Washburn.
• The match-up will also mark the first time the Yellow Jackets face an opponent from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).