TIGERS BATTLE HEAT AND FAST PACED BRUINS OFFENSE IN 5-0 OPENER LOSS

Mitchell, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan Tigers dropped their 2023 regular season opener against (RV) Bellevue University 5-0. The Tigers were battling the heat and the Bruins fast paced offense throughout the match. DWU is coming off a 1-1 tie with D2 program University of Sioux Falls in an exhibition game only two days ago and struggled battling the fatigue from that hard fought match and the heat today. Head coach John Hakari had this to say about the match, "tough outing today in the heat and it only being 36 hours after a brutal battle with a strong D2 opponent." The Tigers registered two shots throughout the match from Sydney Pike and Hannah Petrucci compared to the Bruins 25 shots with five finding the back of the net. BU scored their goals in the 4^', 39', 43',70', and 88' minute to claim the win. "Bellevue is a strong squad with national recognition, so they are a good test for us to start the 2023 season," Hakari mentioned after the game. Dakota Wesleyan had three different goalkeepers log minutes in the contest with Isabella Gregg's 45 minutes and two saves, Abigail Colgrove with 40 minutes and two saves, and Taylor Stermon logging five minutes and one lone save. The Tigers are learning from the mistakes in this match and ready to move on and come out strong for their home match against Western Iowa Tech CC, Monday, August 19.

Head-to-Head (Bellevue University)

• DWU lost last years matchup 5-0 in Bellevue, Neb.
• The Tigers defeated the Bruins by a score of 2-0 in a home matchup (8/25/21).
• The series sits at 1-2.

Up Next

• Dakota Wesleyan Tigers are back in action Monday, August 21 at 4 p.m. when they take on Western Iowa Tech CC in a doubleheader with the men's team.