The No. 24 Bemidji State University women’s soccer team defeated University of Central Oklahoma 3-0 Friday evening in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament at Chet Anderson Stadium.
The Beavers (15-2-5) now advance to the second round and will face No. 12 Minnesota State University, Mankato Sunday at 3:00 p.m., also at Chet Anderson Stadium.
In blistery temperatures and harsh winds, the Beavers were led by graduate student Allyson Smith who posted a goal and an assist in the game to lead BSU to victory. Smith started the game by scoring the first goal in the 21st minute.
Following the end of the first half, Bemidji State then extended its lead to 2-0 when Sara Wendt scored her team-leading 12th goal of the season just four minutes into the second half. The Beavers then made it 3-0 just before time expired in the 87th minute when Halle Peterson scored just her second goal of the season that was assisted by Smith. The assist was the 30th career assist for the graduate student from Brainerd, Minn., and she surpasses Sarah Stram as the program’s all-time career assists leader.
Bemidji State and Central Oklahoma went back-and-forth throughout the game with BSU pushing the first half and the Bronchos (11-5-4) pushing the second. The Bronchos led the game with nine shots on goal while BSU was close behind with eight. However, the Beavers out-played UCO on the scoreboard, winning 3-0.
Senior Alyssa Stumbaugh shut down the Bronchos attack and turned aside all nine shots by UCO and send the Beavers into the next round.
Bemidji State faces a familiar foe in Minnesota State Sunday afternoon and played the Mavericks to a 1-1 tie earlier this season. Kick-off between the Mavericks and Beavers is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
Tune into our pregame coverage today beginning at 2:30 p.m. on 94.3 FM The Legends in Bemidji or online at www.beaverradionetwork.com.
Here’s the full game archive from Friday, November 11th:
Bemidji State vs. Central Oklahoma Soccer
Postgame interview with BSU Head Coach Jim Stone: Coach Postgame Interview
Postgame interview with Alyssa Stumbaugh: Player Postgame Interview