VERMILLION, S.D. – Western Illinois (7-9-2, 2-4-0) conceded three goals in ten minutes, falling to South Dakota 3-0 on Friday (Nov. 1). The loss leaves Western Illinois in fifth-place in the Summit League with one match remaining.

"Exceptionally frustrating day," said head coach Ted Flogaites. "I didn't think either team played particularly well. Except they have three goals and we have none. Congratulations to them, the victory on the day belongs to them."

South Dakota (6-8-3, 1-5-0) earned three corners within the first seven minutes of play, but the Leatherneck defense limited the Coyotes to just one shot in that time.

Western's first good opportunity came in the 20th minute, but Skyler Jessop's shot was blocked. Amber Davis nearly gave the Leathernecks the lead late in the first half, but her headed effort went wide and the Leathernecks and Coyotes went into halftime scoreless.

Sarah Hall looked to continue her goal-scoring form with a shot on goal early in the second half, but Mackenzie Viktor was able to keep the junior from her scoring her third goal in two matches. Three minutes later, Taylor Henning challenged Viktor, but her effort went wide of goal.

The Coyotes nearly grabbed the lead in the 58th minute but Danielle Anderson could not direct her header on frame. Just a minute later, Rebecca Sparkman's shot was blocked resulting in a Coyote corner.

Following the corner, the Leathernecks nearly caught the Coyotes on the break, but Jessop's shot was blocked.

With Western pushing numbers forward, South Dakota earned a free kick in the 66th minute. Lauren Bennett's scored off the set piece to put the Coyotes in front 1-0.

The Coyotes struck again four minutes later as Jamie Karch finished off her seventh of the year, doubling the Coyote lead.

Hall nearly brought the Leathernecks back into the match but her effort was blocked.

Elena Tsakakis put away the third goal for South Dakota in the 76th minute as Western Illinois was forced to push numbers forward.

Western Illinois had a pair of late opportunities, courtesy of Brianna Hughes and Laura Mick, but Viktor denied both freshmen.

"I think we had some terrific moments in the first half in which we got in behind and probably should have done better with the opportunities," Flogaites added. "But that has been part of the story this season: failure to be clinical when the chance arises. Look, are they three goals better than us? I think not. But on the day, the bottom line is that they have been better, more efficient with their chances and deserved to win. We have a great team and we are looking forward to showcasing that on Sunday. This is a group I am deeply proud of."

The Leathernecks now require help to make it into The Summit League Tournament heading into Sunday's (Nov. 3) match against Omaha. Western Illinois needs Fort Wayne to defeat North Dakota State Friday (Nov. 1) in order to secure the fourth-seed in the tournament. The match begins at 5 p.m.

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