DWU women’s soccer drops season opener

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University women's soccer team began their 2018 campaign with a non-conference matchup against NCAA Division II opponent Southwest Minnesota State University, dropping the game 3-1 at the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex in Mitchell on Saturday.

 The Mustangs scored first in the third minute to take an early 1-0 lead. Both teams were held scoreless until the 37^th minute, when Alyssa Weidler (Sioux Falls, S.D.) found the back of the net for the Tigers (0-1) notching the game at one.

 It was SMSU who took the game in the second half with a goal in the 70^th minute and 88^th minute. Weidler led the way with four shots, two shots on goal and a goal. Gemini Wesley (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Stephanie Banvelos (Hayward, Calif.) each tallied a shot and a shot on goal, while freshman Kassidy Johnson (Hartford, S.D.) recorded two shots.

 Hannah Bowes (Omaha, Neb.) came into the game at halftime at goalkeeper and recorded three saves on five shots on goal.

 DWU returns to the pitch against Waldorf University at 3 p.m. on Saturday in Forest City, Iowa.