Entering Sunday, the Bison soccer team was 5-4-3 and undefeated in conference play with a 2-0-1 record. Sunday afternoon, the Bison traveled to Grand Forks to take on the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota for the 21st time in history. Entering this matchup, the Bison led the all-time series 12-6-2. The Fighting Hawks entered this matchup at a 4-4-2 record right in the middle of the Summit League standings. This match got off to a very hot start as, just 54 seconds into it, Gabrielle Garrett scored a goal assisted by Hannah Arnold. Just seven minutes later, the Fighting Hawks responded with their own goal from Milan Cordone. 

No action would result in a goal for the rest of the first half as the match entered halftime tied 1-1. 6 minutes and 42 seconds into the second half, Morgan Russmann scored her fifth goal of the season to take the lead. The Bison would hold off UND for the next 40 minutes and close out their third conference win of the season. Peyton Mulberry continued her all-conference caliber season, allowing just one goal on eight shots. NDSU’s defense once again proved they are one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the entire Summit League. They now are averaging to allow 1 goal/per match and 1.46/goals per match. 

They have been trending towards low-scoring affairs as of late, and if they want to continue to compete for a Summit League championship, that will need to continue. The Bison have five matches remaining this season. They host Oral Roberts on Thursday at Dacotah Field at 6:00 p.m. They then go to Denver on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. After that, they close the season with a 3-game homestand against South Dakota State on Oct. 17th, South Dakota on Oct. 20th, and St Thomas on Oct. 27th. Their next five opponents combine for a 7-4-4 record in conference play to this point in the season. 

Around the Summit League, South Dakota State remains in the top spot of the league with a 3-0 conference record and 10-2-1 overall. Oral Roberts is in second place right in front of NDSU with a 2-0-1 conference record and a 7-5-2 overall record. Behind NDSU are Omaha, Denver, South Dakota, UND, St. Thomas, and Kansas City. NDSU’s Morgan Russman is still leading the conference in shots and shots on goal and is second in total goals. The Bison goalie, Peyton Mulberry, is now second in the league in saves. She is also tied for first in the Summit with four shutouts. 

Next Game: Vs. Oral Roberts 

Date: Thursday, Oct. 10

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Dacotah Field