Box Score BROOKINGS, S.D. — The Western Illinois women's soccer team continued its non-conference schedule Thursday night, taking on South Dakota State at Fishback Soccer Park. The Leathernecks battled throughout the 90 minutes but were unable to overcome an early Jackrabbit advantage, falling 5-0.
South Dakota State applied pressure early, recording a pair of shots and earning two corner kicks before breaking through in the 17th minute.
Katelyn Beulke opened the scoring at the 16:45 mark, finishing an opportunity set up by Hannah Langstaff to give the Jackrabbits an early 1-0 advantage. The Leathernecks continued to battle and generated their first shot on goal in the 31st minute when Abigail Schilling placed an attempt toward the bottom center of the net, but South Dakota State goalkeeper Leah Bacon made the save.
The Jackrabbits added to their lead late in the first half as Xehlia Salanoa found the back of the net in the 39th minute. Deizha Lyn Jacinto and Emily Krings were credited with assists on the goal, sending South Dakota State into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
Western Illinois made several changes coming out of the halftime break, including bringing Lillian Johns into goal. Johns was immediately called into action, making a save on a shot from Jenna Maloy less than two minutes into the second half.
The Leatherneck defense continued to work through the South Dakota State attack during the opening portion of the second half, but the Jackrabbits extended their lead in the 55th minute. Maloy scored off assists from Langstaff and Mia Bosch, giving SDSU a 3-0 advantage.
Johns continued to make stops for Western Illinois as the second half progressed, including saves on attempts from Bosch and Brianna Finnegan.
Western Illinois looked to create opportunities of its own in the second half, with Nelly Beliveau recording a shot in the 71st minute. The Leathernecks continued to rotate their lineup throughout the match as several players saw action.
South Dakota State added two late goals to round out the scoring. Krings scored in the 83rd minute off assists from Abbi Gibbs and Finnegan before Finnegan added the final goal in the 87th minute, finishing a chance created by MaKynlie Cade.
Johns finished the second half with four saves after entering the match at halftime, while Schilling recorded Western Illinois' lone shot on goal of the contest.
Western Illinois will return home for its next matchup as the Leathernecks continue their 2026 campaign.
FOLLOW THE LEATHERNECKS
For the latest information on Western Illinois women's soccer, follow the Leathernecks on social media and visit goleathernecks.com.
